Martin is the Laird of Vegas as he now sets his sights on Augusta
They say the best things come to those who wait, and that is certainly the case for Martin Laird.
He is currently gearing up for his return to Augusta, after an eight-year absence, to tee it up in the year’s first Major.
Laird secured his place at The Masters by virtue of winning the Shriners Hospitals For Children Open in Las Vegas back in October, although he had to sit and watch as the delayed 2020 Masters took place in November. But it has given him time to get ready and soak it all in, something that eluded him on his last trip through the gates in 2013. “Thanks to winning last year, one of the perks that stands out is getting into The Masters,” Laird told The Sunday Post.
“I played a practice round at Augusta on the Monday after the Players’ Championship and I wouldn’t be doing that for a regular tournament.
“I had my caddie, Kevin Mcalpine (son of former Dundee United goalie, Hamish), with me, who had never been before, so he was loving it as we were driving up Magnolia Lane.
“It’s great to be back. I played three years-in-a-row and you don’t want to miss it. Augusta and The Open are the two events you’re desperate to play.
“I played well on my debut in 2011 and then I did OK in 2012. But in 2013, I won the week before at the Texas Open and I was exhausted and missed the cut. “Don’t get me wrong, I was delighted to win and that got me into the field. But suddenly on the Sunday night I was flying to Augusta, I had to sort out a rental house and I was worn out by the time the tournament started. “I wasn’t ready. This year, it’s different. I have good memories of the Texas Open and I hope to play well there this week and take that with me to The Masters.”
Victory in Vegas nearly eight months ago was his fourth on the PGA Tour, but his first since that Texas success for the Glasgowborn golfer.
While most people lose their fortune in Sin City, Laird has made his. The desert course secured his maiden win in America in 2009 and he lost a play-off when defending his title the following year.
So there was real symmetry in returning to the winner’s circle at the same venue for a success, the 38-year-old describes as the best of his career.
Not only for ending that long wait, but having the chance to celebrate with his biggest fans, son Jack, 7, and five-year-old Hannah.
“I just really love that course,” admits the Colorado-based Scot.
“The holes set up nicely for me and I read the greens there so well. I have a lot of confidence and a good strategy.
“Desert golf seems to suit me as I do well there and I’ve tended to play well in Phoenix, too.
“It was my most enjoyable win of all. There was the seven-year gap where I had struggled at times, and you wonder if you’ll win again.
“Then to do it with my wife and kids watching on TV was lovely. My kids are my biggest fans – they probably know more about golf than most adults!
“They were so excited when I came home with the trophy. I wasn’t playing for a few weeks after that, so we could all really celebrate it together.
“The trophy stayed in the kitchen for a good while, but now it’s down in the basement with all my other golf stuff.”
Laird’s win was also a shot-inthe-arm in the generational battle taking place on the PGA Tour.
Only four of the 23 winners in the current season are older than
Martin, as he recognises the shift that has occurred during his time on Tour.
“When I started out, mid-tolate 30s like I am now would have been considered your prime,” he assesses.
“But the average age has gone from 34, 35 when I started out to 26, 27 now. That is a huge change.
“I recently played with Collin Morikawa in the final round at The Players’ Championship. He’s already won a Major and a WGC event and he’s still only 24.
“These guys in their mid-20s are not learning their trade, they are doing well and are the finished article.
“I’ve got fitter and I’ve lost some weight because you can’t slack and get away with it out here.
“The level has picked up and the leaderboards are so bunched every week that you’ll do whatever it takes to try to gain one or two strokes a round.”