Laird Primed To Land A Second Shriners Las Vegas Victory Jackpot

5 years ago by Comments Off on Laird Primed To Land A Second Shriners Las Vegas Victory Jackpot

Scotland’s Martin Laird is primed to land a second Shriners Hospital for Children victory jackpot in maintaining a share of the lead heading to the final round of the $7m event on the TPC Summelin course in Las Vegas.

Laird, 37 posted a third round six-under par 65 to join American Patrick Cantlay (65) atop of the board at 20-under par and two shots clear of four players tied in third place on 18-under par.

Reigning US Open champion, Bryson DeChambeau, and who led the event on day one with an equal course record, posted an indifferent third round that included seven birdies but also three bogeys and two double-bogeys in a score of 71 to plummet 25 places and back into a tie for 31st place at 13-under par.

In contrast, Laird continued to remain a picture of consistency and brilliantly capping his final round in holing a 50-foot putt for eagle at the par-5 ninth hole.

And in looking at the Scot’s stats for the round he hit all of the 14 Summelin fairways.

“I played nice. You know, I’ve been hitting it great all week. Hit it really good the first two days. My game is in a good spot, and was hopping to go out and do the same today. It was definitely a little trickier with the breeze picking up and it was swirling on the front nine,” said Laird.

“But I really played nicely tee to green. Picked my spots where I could be aggressive, and then just kind of played save on some holes. It was a little nice day, because it was a little tricky out there for a little while.

layed nice. You know, I’ve been hitting it great all week. Hit it really good the first two days. My game is in a good spot, and was hopping to go out and do the same today. It was definitely a little trickier with the breeze picking up and it was swirling on the front nine.”

Laird is a three-time PGA Tour winner and captured a first title with his play-off victory at the 2009 then Justin Timberlake sponsored event.

A year later in the defence of his Las Vegas crown, he missed a 25-footer for birdie for victory at the 72nd hole that sent the event into a play-off and with Laird also missing putts over the three extra holes that could have secured success.  American Jonathon Byrd then stepped-up to the 4th tee and produced the first and still only ace in PGA Tour play-off history to win the event.

Ten years on, Laird is no doubt looking for some overdue justice.

“I’ve played here many times now and had a good time when I won here, but I’ve played here — I think this is my 14th year playing here, so I know this course really well,” said Laird.

“Obviously seen it and seen a lot of wind and kind of know the spots you want hit it and spots you want to avoid.

“It definitely helps when it gets a little blustery like it did on our front nine. I felt comfortable out here. I really enjoy playing this golf course. My game is in a good spot, so it’s been fun so far. Hopefully have fun tomorrow.”

 

 



Comments are closed.