Scottsdale, AZ …
Martin Laird boosted hopes of a first victory in almost four years in storming his way to near the top on day of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Laird produced a red-hot putting display needing just 24 putts to grab five birdies, including birding his closing two holes, in a five under par 66 and head to lunch tied second at nine-under par on the TPC Scottsdale course.
Martin Laird looking to end a near four-year winless drought at this week’s Phoenix Open. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
However, The Scot, currently ranked 143rd in the world, said he capped his round holing putts from 18-feet at his third hole and then 24-feet at his 16th and both after being in greenside bunkers.
“It was just a great day with the putter including making two bunker saves by holing putts from around 20-feet to save putt, so those were really pleasing,” he said.
“The greens are just so good that I managed to roll in good putts all day, and while yesterday was a day when I hit the ball really, really good and just putted okay, today I drove it well and my putter was just on fire.
“It’s been a little while since I made that many mid-length putts of around 20 to 25-feet and to then finish with a pair of birdies was very pleasing.
“I was really happy on Thursday to shoot four under but to shoot a better score today has got me really excited going into the weekend.”
And delighting Laird when he walked from the course was being greeted by near three-year old son, Jack who also followed his father into the scorer’s hut.
“It makes it extra special to come off the course and see Jack waiting for me, as he just loves the golf, and then after a little practice following lunch, we can all go home and spend time together,” he said.
Laird’s last victory was in capturing the 2013 Valero Texas Open when he denied Rory McIlroy, and a success that earned the Glaswegian an invitation into the following week’s Masters.
