Laird aims to measure up in majors and Ryder Cup after US success
Martin Laird believes he's now got the game to make his presence felt in majors and is also hoping he can go further than the measuring up stage to become a Ryder Cup player.
The 37- year- old's return to winning ways on the PGA Tour after a seven- year drought in last weekend's Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas propelled him back into the world's top 100.
The s uccess has s ecured a first trip back to Augusta National since 2013 for next April's Masters while returns should also be on the cards for the other three men's majors.
"Definitely," replied Laird to being asked by The Scotsman if he felt he had unfinished business in the game's biggest events, having tied for 20th on his Masters debut in 2011 and finished just outside the top 20 in the US Open in 2013 but missed more cuts than he's made in 21 major appearances.
"I feel my all- round game now is probably better suited to play those tougher courses. I know how to play golf a little better these days. Mentally, I'm also better. It's exciting to think I can have a nice run in big events next year."
Laird is not currently a member of t he European Tour and, therefore, not eligible for Ryder Cup qualification or selection, but the Denverbased Glaswegian said: “It would always be a dream to play on that team.”
His best chance so far was in 2012, having risen to 21st in the world rankings.
"I was playing really well around that time and they had me measured for the outfits when I played in the 2012 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. I guess that's the closest I came!” he recalled.