Laird was one of four players
Thursday, October 7th, 2010Laird amongst Links leaders – Four return rounds of six under par in popular pro-am event
Scotland’s Martin Laird was one of four players to shoot 66 on the opening day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
America-based Laird, who finished 11th in the FedEx Cup recently, carded six birdies at Kingsbarns – one of three courses in use this week – without dropping a shot in benign links conditions.
Dutchman Maarten Lafeber recorded a similar score at the more difficult Carnoustie layout, picking up six birdies on his front nine after making bogey at the 10th – his first hole.
Also on six under par after day one are Ryder Cup vice-captain Thomas Bjorn and Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina, who both played at the host course St Andrews.
Six players are a shot further back including former runner-up Kenneth Ferrie and recent Vivendi Cup winner John Parry, who started his round at Kingsbarns at the 10th and was out in two over par before coming home in 30 including two eagles.
Nine of Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning team were back in action, plus captain Colin Montgomerie,
Each played at Kingsbarns with German Martin Kaymer performing best of them with a 68.
Ross Fisher was one worse, Monday hero Graeme McDowell posted a 70, Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington 71s, Francesco Molinari and Montgomerie 72s, Edoardo Molinari 73 and Peter Hanson 74.
Monty said he was still ambitious to compete on the tour and reach a higher standard of play before he turns 50 and becomes a senior.
I’m exempt to 2015 and I have to make an extra effort and attain new standards,” he said. “I’ve really got to work at it on and off the course. I’d love to be able to come back and win again.
“I’ve got to find 20-30 yards. I’m using equipment that’s the highest technology available, so I’ll have to go the gym I’m afraid and lift weights that I’ve never lifted before.
“I’m still very ambitious and the fact that I’m 400th-odd in the world actually made it stronger.
“I stand on the first tee and I’m raring to go – I want to win. I knew being captain would hurt my game, so it’s a lot of hard work ahead, but I’m prepared to do that.”
Meanwhile, Lee Westwood carded a two-under-par 70 but is not certain to face the starter on Friday after he admitted the leg injury that kept him out of action in the run-up to the Ryder Cup was still troubling him.
The players will play each of the three courses before the cut is made with the final round taking place at St Andrews on Sunday.
