Laird finally wins Shriners in playoff
LAS VEGAS – The third time proved to be the charm for Martin Laird.
After failing to end matters on the 72nd hole and then again on the first playoff hole, Laird knocked in a 23-foot putt for birdie on the second extra hole to win the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Sunday’s fading light at TPC Summerlin.
Laird, who shared the overnight lead and led by three at the turn, made an astounding par on the 17th hole in regulation to protect his one-shot lead but missed his par attempt on the 72nd hole from 28 feet and headed to a playoff against Austin Cook and Matthew Wolff.
On the first extra hole at the par-4 18th hole, Laird had a chance to end the tournament but his attempt from 31 feet just grazed the hole. But after Cook and Wolff both missed their birdie attempts on the 195-yard par-3 17th, Laird rolled in his winner.
The win was his first in seven years and his second Shriners title; in 2009 he won in a playoff on the 18th hole. He has four PGA Tour titles. Laird, playing on a sponsor’s exemption, will certainly move up from his ranking of 358 in the world.
“It’s been a while, so I’ve been working hard. Seven years since my last one,” Laird said. “Probably feel like now my game is really as good as it has been. Been playing well the last few weeks; just haven’t had the results.
“But I love it here. I’m going to really enjoy this one. I can’t wait to go back and see my kids and my wife and celebrate with them.”
Laird (68), Cook (66) and Wolff (66) ended regulation at 23-under 261.
“Overall this is the best finish in three years since the win,” Cook said of his 2017 victory in the RMC Classic. “Game is on the right track. It’s kind of an emotional day. It’s been such a grind to get back here. Just being back in the moment, I loved it, and I can’t wait to do it again.”
Wolff, 21, was trying to become the youngest multiple winner on the PGA Tour since Sergio Garcia in 2001. Wolff had three eagles in a five-hole stretch en route to a 61 in the third round and eagled the 16th Sunday to give himself a chance.
Abraham Ancer closed with a 67 to finish fourth, three shots back.