diff --git a/awx/main/models/projects.py b/awx/main/models/projects.py
index a49046e0eb..fe767a6a38 100644
--- a/awx/main/models/projects.py
+++ b/awx/main/models/projects.py
@@ -209,7 +209,11 @@ class ProjectOptions(models.Model):
         return sorted(results, key=lambda x: smart_str(x).lower())
 
     def get_lock_file(self):
-        proj_path = self.get_project_path()
+        '''
+        We want the project path in name only, we don't care if it exists or
+        not. This method will just append .lock onto the full directory path.
+        '''
+        proj_path = self.get_project_path(check_if_exists=False)
         if not proj_path:
             return None
         return proj_path + '.lock'