Martin Laird will relish the opportunity to return home in July to join the Scottish challenge for The Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond from July 8-11.
The highest ranked Scot in the Official World Golf Ranking will aim to capitalise on a fine debut in the tournament last year when he found himself one shot off the lead after the first round before going on to finish tenth.
The Arizona-based 27 year old might spend the bulk of his time on the US PGA Tour but his Scottish roots are never far from his mind thanks to the St Andrews cross he proudly displays on his golf bag, his belt and even on the tees he uses in competitive play.
“I am extremely excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to tee it up in The Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond once again,” he said.
“I had a fantastic time last year and I have been looking forward since then to having the chance to play in my home Open again. The support I received from the home crowd was brilliant and I look forward to having another good tournament this year on one of the best golf courses in the world.”
Last summer, Laird followed up his appearance in The Barclays Scottish Open with a trip to Turnberry for The Open Championship and another Scottish double-header is on the cards for the former Colorado State University student this July as he has also qualified for The Open at St Andrews thanks to a heroic performance in the recent International Final Qualifier in Texas.
An opening 69 left Laird up against it but he pulled out all the stops with a sensational second round 63 which booked him a trip to St Andrews where he will be cheered on by his parents who live only 15 minutes from the Fife town.
The Texan triumph has not been the only success posted by Laird since his appearance at Loch Lomond last July. In October he was on song to claim the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, beating Chad Campbell and George McNeill in a play-off for his first US PGA Tour title.
Laird will be joined by a host of his fellow countrymen on the Bonnie Banks including the man who, to date, is the only Scot to have triumphed at Loch Lomond, current European Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie.
“As always, to play in front of a home crowd is such a great thrill and I look forward to The Barclays Scottish Open every year,” said Montgomerie, who captured the title in 1999.
“The fans are incredible – knowledgeable and enthusiastic - and I really appreciate the support they show me. As a past champion the event holds special memories for me – I know what a great event it is and there is nothing I would love more than to lift the trophy once again. I have no doubt it will be a fantastic week on what is a world class golf course.”
Also in the field is the only Scot so far to have won on The European Tour this season – Aberdonian Richie Ramsay, who claimed the South African Open Championship at Pearl Valley – alongside compatriots and fellow European Tour champions Andrew Coltart, Alastair Forsyth, Paul Lawrie, Gary Orr and Marc Warren, in addition to Stephen Gallacher who was, for a spell, the touring professional at Loch Lomond.
"I consider myself very lucky to have been given the opportunity to play in The Barclays Scottish Open this year,” said Gallacher, who has had injury problems but showed a welcome return to form recently when he finished fourth in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.
“It’s one of my favourite courses and one of the best tournaments of the year and fantastic to play it on home soil where all the tournaments are like Majors to the Scots."
Golf fans keen eager to catch a glimpse of the action in The Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond can purchase discounted ticketshere
