Former Valero Texas Open champ Martin Laird has work to do if he’s looking for the double San Antonio reward of teeing-up next week among the Augusta National Azaleas.
Laird was a afforded a sponsor’s exemption to tee-up in the event he brilliantly captured 12-years ago in posting a final round 63 to storm past hot favourite Rory Mcllroy to beat by two shots on the TPC Alamo course.
It was the third of four PGA Tour victories for Laird and also the Denver-based Scot a third of what is still four appearances in The Masters.
The now 42-year-old Laird was out in the morning half of the draw earlier today posting a level par 72 to be inside the top-70 as the afternoon half were into their rounds.
Former @valerotxopen champ work to do if …..
Martin Laird @TPCSanAntonio trailing eight shots back of current @TPCSanAntonio lead if he is to secure a 5th @PGATOUR & get to smell the Augusta Azaleas @TheMasters
Read: https://t.co/yjfdwpiSKD
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— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) April 3, 2025
Laird lost his PGA Tour card at the end of last year while this week’s appearance is just his second PGA Tour event of the 2025 season.
Twenty-six players in the 142-year player field are currently exempt into The Masters and Laird would dearly love not only to secure a fifth PGA Tour but also gladly accept the double reward of a return trip to Augusta, GA.
American Keith Mitchell grabbed an eagle and six birdies in a sizzling eight-under 64 to be the clubhouse leader and two clear of former Open Champion Brian Harman with a 66.
“My game has been trending,” said Mitchell, whose lone PGA Tour win came in the Honda Classic six years ago.
“I’d like to put some solid rounds together. Hopefully, it’s this week.”
The 33-year-old Mitchell has previously contested the 2019 and 2023 but is not exempt for next week.
It was only a week ago Mitchell shared the first round lead at the Houston Open ahaed of settling for a share of 15th.
