Erin Hills, Wisconson …
Martin Laird was relishing the thought he was only trailing six shots behind the leading foursome with 36 holes to contest in the U.S. Open.
Laird was the only Scot from a starting contingent of three to progress to the closing two rounds after scores of 72 and 71 for a share of 33rd spot at one under par.
The effort is a huge lift for the Scot who is contesting the U.S. Open for a first occasion since 2013.
For the record, Martin Laird shot a second round 71 to be T33rd at one under Par.
His second round was a mix of four birdies and three bogeys, and with the highlight of his round birding three holes in succession mid round.
“I am very pleased as I scrambled very well today,” he said.
“But the great thing is that I putted really well, and that is the best I have putted in a long time. I also had some really good chip shots that I got close to save par when I needed to.
“The thing is also the greens were getting very firmer this afternoon compared to yesterday morning when we were out, so to walk off with a 71 is very pleasing”
Laird is contesting his 19th Major Championship and with his highest result being T21s in that 2013 U.S. Open.
But unlike four years ago the current World No. 114 feels as though he is a much better place in his life, and especially the father of two young children.
This, he admits, can only help as he strives to become the first Scot since Paul Lawrie in 1999 to win at the game’s highest level.
“I feel I’m a better player now than I was at my highest point in the World Rankings,” he said.
“In the earlier part of my career my Major record wasn’t that good and my short game wasn’t as good as it is now.
“In terms of all around game I’m much better and when you come to these Majors you need to be able to chip and putt it to get yourself out of tough positions. Because no matter how well you’re playing you’re going to get four or five of them in one round.”
Sadly, Russell Knox who was in the same grouping as Laird, missed the one over cut with scores of 73 and 76 for a five over par tally.
Knox is headed to Connecticut this coming week for the defence of his Travellers title, and what was his second victory on the PGA Tour.
