Home favourite Martin Laird hopes to begin his favourite two weeks of the year with victory in the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.
The 30 year old from Glasgow predominantly plies his trade in America, but has made the journey across the Atlantic for his National Open and The Open Championship at Muirfield.
And while some would see the year’s third Major as the bigger prize, Laird certainly is not viewing matters that way.
“It's my favourite two weeks of the year,” said Laird, a three-time US PGA Tour winner. “I didn't find out until Monday that I will actually play next week [at Muirfield], so even just coming back for the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open was a week I was looking forward to.
“I came back and obviously get to play here and get to see some family and things, so it's always a great time to come back. Then when I found out Monday that I was playing next week, also, it was a nice boost, and as I said, it's my favourite two weeks of the year and I love to come back, especially when the weather is like this.
“It's just good to be back here, hear lots of Scottish voices and when we get going here, people shouting for me and rooting me on which is something I don't hear as much in America.
“This tournament for me, it's just as important as next week, and I wanted to be fresh for this week and next week.
“This is a big stretch of the season for me starting here; here, then The Open and I go back and have a WGC event and the US PGA. So I have two Majors in my next four events, and this one, as well; this is kind of like my fifth major. I've deliberately been building my schedule for the last month so I'm ready for this six week stretch.”
This is the fifth year running that Laird has returned to home soil for the event, and the World Number 59 is confident of doing well at Castle Stuart Golf Links after a third round 64 last year put him in contention before fading slightly to finish 16th.
“It's a course I feel comfortable on, and I really feel like my game is in a good spot right now, and if I make a few putts this week, I don't see why I can't be up there again with a chance to win,” added Laird. “Obviously it would mean a lot to win my National Open.
“I’m probably hitting the ball as good as I have in a long time, consistently, but not making a lot of putts the last few weeks.”
