Martin Laird is set to end a near seven-year Tour drought in brilliantly muscling his way to just a shot from the lead heading to the final round of the Puerto Rico Open.
Laird, 37 grabbed two eagles and five birdies in a stunning nine-under par 63 to snatch the clubhouse lead at 17-under par.
Norwegian sensation Viktor Hovland then birdied the last in a round of 64 to grab the lead at 18-unde par as the 23-year old looks to win for a maiden time on the PGA Tour and what would be a first time in his pro career.
Laird capped his round with eagle putts at his second and 10th holes but unlike Hovland, the Scot missed out on birdies on his two inward half par-5s at the 15th and 18th holes.
He said: “I came here to Puerto Rico knowing I was hitting the ball as was evident last week at the Genesis while I’ve been working hard this week on my putting and it’s paying off.
Martin Laird has two eagles in his round today.
He leads by 1 at the @PuertoRicoOpen.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/ZD2DCAASdt
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 22, 2020
“I got off to a great start on Thursday and then backed that up with a 69 yesterday.
“So, to come out today and post two eagles in a 63 was very pleasing and hopefully I can produce more of the same tomorrow.”
Laird last tasted Tour success in denying Rory McIlroy victory at the 2013 Valero Texas Open and earn the Scot a Masters invitation.
However, if Laird was to win a fourth Tour title in Puerto Rico the smaller prize-purse will not earn a Masters invitation.
