Scotland’s Martin Laird marked his return to competition in a month is being asked to attend a random drugs test following his round of 71 on the opening day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in suburban Orlando.
Laird is returning to competition for a first in a month since his wife, Maegan gave birth to the couple’s first child – a son named Jack Andrew Laird.
Martin Laird (SCO) during the first round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard , Bay Hill , Orlando, Florida,USA.
Picture: Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ie
However waiting for him following the round was a PGA Tour official and ready to escort the Scot to the privacy of the locker room.
Laird looked a little rusty not having played since finishing well down in last month’s Northern Trust Open and while he birdied the second, Scot doubled the third.
He was then one over par for his round after the 11th but regrouped to birdie the 15th and 16th holes.
“I started off a little scrappy but then that was to be expected after a month off but after then I played solid on the back nine,” he said.
“So there was a lot of good signs there although my touch around the greens was a little off and that’s also to be expected.
“But the pleasing aspect was that I hit the ball better as the day went on and anytime you can shoot under par around here is not too bad.”
However was pleased to get this first round out the way since becoming a father he is already missing being with his wife and son, Jack.
“I miss the little guy already but then it’s nice to get back, and if I had to pick a place to come back then where I won here a few years ago is a nice place to do it.”
Fellow Scot Russell Knox had been out earlier in day also posting a 71 and in his first appearance in the event.
Australia’s Adam Scott equalled the course record and his own PGA Tour with a blistering 10-under par and in his last event before the April 10th commencement to his Masters defence.
