Scotland’s Paul Lawrie heads to his defence of this week’s Andalucian Open title mauled after posting a pair of double bogeys on the final day of the WGC – Cadillac Championship in Miami, Florida.

Lawrie recorded his poorest round in this year’s $US 8.5m event in signing for a five over par 77 for an eventual five over par tally.

The 1999 Open Champion struggled off the tee in managing to hit just 29% of the TPC Blue Monster fairways.

And what also is disappointing for Lawrie is he dropped one place on the World Rankings to be now just five inside the top-50.

Overall, Lawrie recorded just two birdies but also three bogeys along with a double bogey at the par four third hole and then at the last after finding water.

Lawrie had commenced the last day of the tournament at level par and in a share of 52nd place but had dropped nine places to a tie for 61st before the leaders had made their way to the first tee.

The good news for Lawrie in heading to Spain’s Alloha course is that he should retain his place among the top-50 on the world rankings to ensure he will compete in next month’s Masters.

Lawrie went to Florida lying 44th on the World Rankings and while he dropped a spot to 45th he needs to remain inside the top-50 as at the end of competition on Sunday April 1st to be assured of returning to Augusta for a first time since 2004.