Monday 9 February 2015 14:11, UK
Martin Laird believes he is beginning to build momentum on the PGA Tour after continuing his strong start to the year at the Farmers Insurance Open.
The Scot registered his third top-15 finish in as many weeks by ending tied-seventh in California, two shots adrift of winner Jason Day.
Laird’s seven-under at Torrey Pines followed on from solid displays at the Phoenix Open and Humana Challenge, with the world No 119 pleased with his recent progress.
“I’m back to enjoying my golf,” Laird told Sky Sports 4. “. It’s a lot of fun to be able to hit the shots that I want to hit and make some putts like I did on 18.
“Last year seemed like I couldn’t get anything going, but I’ve got a little bit of momentum going right now and I’m turning up at tournaments feeling like I can win or at least get in the mix.”
Looking to bounce back from a four-over third round 76, the 32-year-old carded three birdies in his first nine holes and another on the last to end the final round three-under.
“I thought 66 was my number and thought that would give me a chance of winning, so when I made that putt at the ninth I told myself I was half-way there.
“That back nine is really tough so I’m happy to shoot 69. You turn around from hole 13 and you’ve got the wind which makes all those tee-shots difficult.”
Near miss
In the final group and tied for the lead, J.B Holmes played it safe on the 18th when he chose to lay up with an 8-iron with 235 yards to the pin, rather than follow Jason Day in aiming for the green in two.
Holmes' effort didn't spin back at the front of the green, with his 20-foot birdie putt for the win grazing the cup, although the American defended his choice selection.
"It was a lie that my tendency is to hit it a little bit further and hit a draw, and long and left is dead," Holmes said.
"If you hit something over the green there, it's not really an easy up-and-down. It's not really the best access to the pin. The best play is to lay up and hit a wedge. If I had the same thing again, I would lay up."
