Martin Laird celebrated his 200th PGA Tour event holing a snaking 60-foot birdie putt at the last on the Copperhead course on day one of the Valspar Championship

Laird’s birdie from the fringe of the green, and after having to chip-out from behind a tree with his second, in a round of a one over par 72.

It left the Scot trailing just five shots behind the leading clubhouse American duo of Ken Duke and Keegan Bradley, who posted four under par 67s in the bright but windy conditions on Florida’s western shoreline.

Laird’s round included two birdies and three bogeys, and managing to hit 10 of 18 greens in regulation and taking 29 putts.

Martin Laird happy to sign autographs after his round of 72.

“It was a nice day’s work and a great way to finish holing that 60-footer that you really don’t think will go in but then it’s great when they do,” he said.

“It was good also as I drove it into trees right off the tee and then had to chip-and-run a 9-iron down the left side of the fairway.

“But it was very tricky out there all day today and with the news greens they’re put in here, they’re tough to read.

“However I like this tournament and I like playing the course, as it’s one of my favourites on the schedule.

Martin Laird’s 60-footer for birdie at the last – Thanks to www.pgatour.com

“And with someone on the Tour pointing out this is my 200th tournament, it’s nice to be celebrating it here.”

In fact, this is Laird’s sixth start in the Valspar with his best result being fifth in 2011.

However, the start to Russell Knox’s 100th Tour event was not the celebration he sought in carding a four over par 75.

Knox birdied his first and last holes but in between was a second hole double bogey and four other bogeys.

But like Laird, the reigning WGC – HSBC Champions winner, saved the best for last in sinking a 39-foot putt for birdie.