Lawrie, Laird make it super Sunday

Monday 28 March 2011

Lawrie, Laird make it super Sunday

Golf history was made when Scottish players landed events on the European and US PGA Tour on the same day for the first time.

Former Open champion Paul Lawrie took the Andalucian Open in Spain by a shot from former Scottish Open winner Johan Edfors.

Then, in Florida, Martin Laird was successful in the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

Laird, who had led by two shots overnight, appeared to have blown his chances of his second tour success with a disastrous outward half of 39. The man from Glasgow was five-over par for his final round after 11 holes and trailed leader Steve Marino by three shots. However, the 28-year-old rallied brilliantly with birdies at 15 and 16 to lead by two shots with two to play. With Marino grabbing a birdie at the final hole, one-time Hilton Park member Laird needed to par at the last to prevail. He drove into rough, played a conservative approach shot to about 100ft and then two-putted for the biggest win of his career. The three-over-par 75 was the highest last round of any winner, but it earned him a cheque for over $1million. “It was as good as it gets,” said Laird. “I have never met Mr Palmer, so to have him shake my hand as I came off the 18th was incredible.” Earlier yesterday, Lawrie, who won The Open at Carnoustie in 1999, secured his first tournament victory in nine years. “It’s been a long time,” he admitted. “I’ve had a few second places, but all of a sudden we’re there. It was going pear-shaped, but you’ve just got to keep going.”

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