Martin Laird Warming To Ending Three-Year Winless Drought In Bethpage Park Heat.

Martin Laird is quietly-confident of banking the biggest pay cheque of his career after remaining well in contention on day three of the Barclays Championship on New York’s Long Island.

The Scot grabbed four birdies in a two under par 69 for a six-under total in continuing hot and humid conditions on the Bethpage Black course.

Laird is a three-time winner on the PGA Tour but has not tasted success in over three years since capturing the 2013 Valero Texas Open in San Antonio.

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Scotland’s Martin Laird warms to the likelihood of ending a three-year PGA Tour winless drought in the heat and humidity at this week’s Barclays Championship. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

And at 86th on the FedEx Cup Play-Off points standing Laird is already projected to jump some 53 spots and just a few places shy of being among the top-30 on the US money list and qualify for the season-ending Tour Championship starting September 22nd in Atlanta.

That was by far my best round of the week and anytime you can shoot in the 60s around this Black Course you have to be happy,” he said.

“I just feel like I have really controlled my tempo better on the course this week and that is showing in my scores as you can get into the habit on a course like this when you feel like you have to hammer it every hole.

“So that was the key for me today and hopefully I can do that tomorrow.”

And when asked about his projected FedEx Cup standing the Scot again played a trademark straight bat.

“My goal is just to go out and do what I did today,” he said.

“If I hit the ball like I did again today and make some putts tomorrow, then you know, obviously could be a good day. I don’t even know what’s leading to be honest. I just knew I was going nicely out there and focusing on what I can do.

“Tomorrow as I said, hopefully I can drive the ball like I did today, because that was the big thing. I hit a lot of fairways, which you’ve got to do around here. If I can do that tomorrow, I’ll have a lot of fun.”

And if Laird experienced any problems it was trying to catch his young son, Jack who was clearly enjoying being chased by his dad around the practice putting green after Laird had finished his media commitments.

A fourth Tour success would earn Laird a cool $US 1.3m and clearly his highest pay day in the States.

In contrast, fellow Scot Russell Knox continued to battle with mystery bug he picked up earlier in the week and it showed in posting a five over par 76 that included six bogeys to slump to near the tail of the field at four over par.

American Rickie Fowler now looks almost certain to be handed one of Davis Love 111s three wildcard picks tomorrow (MON) after birding his final hole in a round of 68 to lead by a shot at nine under par.

 



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