Lawson excited for Vic Open return

FORMER Geelong resident and golf professional Deyen Lawson is locked in for the next weekend’s Vic Open, with the tournament regular riding a solid season into the event.

Now Queensland-based, Lawson will join the 234-player field on February 1 at 13th Beach Golf Club in Barwon Heads as part of the PGA Tour of Australasia season.

A seven-time participant at the Vic Open, Lawson has had a terrific season so far, ranking inside the Top 40 in the PGA Tour of Australasia’s Order of Merit rankings.

“I’m looking forward to this year’s Vic Open, the field is looking really strong and it’s always great to come down to the Bellarine and Geelong and catch up with close friends and family,” he said.

“Both courses are really good, both the Beach Course and the Creek Course. The greens are really good as well, so it allows you to get your putter going.

“Ball flight control is a super important part of the tournament. Out of the four days, there is generally one day that is really windy, so you have to manage that wind.

“Me growing up playing with those winds is definitely an advantage, but as is the case with any other tournament, I’ll aim to stay within my game against some top tier golf talents.”

Lawson tied for 13th at the Webex Players Series Murray River at Cobram Barooga last weekend.

He was also runner-up at the Queensland PGA Open and won three consecutive Pro-Am events in 2023.

Lawson won the WA Open in 2022 and has earned cards on the European Tour, China Tour, and Asian Development Tour.

Having grown up at and completed his golf traineeship at Curlewis Golf Club, Lawson praised Geelong coach Darrell Brown.

“In a golf sense, Darrell has been my biggest influence, not just as a coach, but as a mentor too because he’s provided so much support to me over the years and not just when golf has been good to me, but at other times as well,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t see how much he has helped me when I’ve been down and out, besides my wife and my closest friends, his support has been amazing.

“It’s very easy to be excited when you’re doing well, but it’s the ones who are around when it’s the opposite that you really need.”

Lawson is now competing in the Webex Players Series Hosted by Geoff Ogilvy at Rosebud Country Club this weekend, but will head this way directly afterwards in preparation for the Vic Open.

For more information, head to golf.org.au/vicopen