Scotland’s Martin Laird put aside a nagging knuckle concern on his left-hand to post a three under par 67.

Laird, who is on anti-biotics for a knuckle injury, kick-started his round by holing an 18-foot putt for eagle at the par five fifth hole and added three birdies to be sharing 19th place but only four shots behind the leading duo of Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello and American Kevin Na.

Laird, who lives only a short distance from Sedgefield, is contesting the event for a sixth occasion and having made the cut in all past five showings including a best of T4th in his first appearance in the event in 2008.

Scot Martin Laird (blue trousers) walks from the course having posted a superb three under par 67.

However there was real concern the three-time PGA Tour winner would have to withdraw given the concern for a knuckle problem on his left hand.

“I only hit two fairways today so to walk off with three under is very pleasing and also considering I was only about 80% chance of playing this week,” he said.

“The hand has bugging me so much that I went to see a doctor yesterday (WED) and he gave me all the all clear, as I hadn’t picked-up a club till I was on the range this morning.”

Martin Laird shoots a superb three under par 67. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)