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McLaurin Shoots to World Title
Submitted by John McLaurin
March, 2011

Bonnie McLaurin had twice traveled halfway around the world to compete on the highest level of competitive sporting clays, only to walk away the second-best female shooter on the planet.

Days before the deadline to enter the 1997 World Championship in Sporting Clays in Sun City, South Africa, McLaurin had talked herself out of competing. But the five-time U.S. Open champion received some last-minute financial help from her parents and local supporters and packed her Remington shotgun for the trip.

The change of plans capped off one of the best careers in American shooting history. The Gainesville, Florida resident erased a seven-target deficit with a 48-of-50 performance to capture that elusive world championship.

“I feel very complete now,” McLaurin said. “I had won the U.S. Open in Houston for the fifth time, which was something no one had ever done. And to finally top it off like this make me feel like I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”

The veterinary research technician at the University of Florida is no stranger to international competition having competed In two previous competitions. McLaurin trailed Scotland’s Edit Barnes heading into the final day of the four-day competition – only to turn in a near flawless final round to win the world title.


Bonnie as a young girl.


Bonnie with her gun.


Bonnie receives the trophy from General Schwarzkopf, who sponsored the shooting event.


Copyright 2013, Clan MacLaren Society of North America