Scots will finally go head to head on US Tour

Golf Correspondent

Thursday 19 January 2012

They set off down similar routes in their quests to reach the US PGA Tour.

Custom byline text:

Nick Rodger

Today, Martin Laird and Russell Knox's paths will finally cross on the main circuit when the Scottish duo both compete in the Humana Challenge in California.

Back in 2007, Glasgow exile Laird claimed his maiden victory on the second-tier Nationwide Tour which helped earn him promotion to the top table.

That same year, Knox, a son of Inverness, took the professional plunge after graduating from Jacksonville University. Four years later, the 26-year-old also plundered a title on the Nationwide circuit and secured a remarkable rise into the upper echelons at the end of the 2011 season.While Laird, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, will resume his determined assault on the Ryder Cup world points standings this week, having teed-off the campaign with a runners-up placing in Hawaii a fortnight ago, new recruit Knox will be looking to bounce back from a missed cut on his debut in last weekend's Sony Open. The chance to fly a Saltire alongside his fellow Scot is an opportunity that Knox is eager to take advantage of. "Martin is definitely an inspiration to me," he said. "I've only met him once, but I'm looking forward to getting to know him better."Laird, one of the favourites this week in a field that also includes Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, is now an established force on the US circuit and he offered words of experience to his countryman about the battles ahead."It's exciting to have another Scot on tour," he said. "It can be a bit intimidating coming out here for the first time. You get so excited with all the things that come with tournaments you almost forget about the golf. A lot of players struggle at first but it's not something to beat yourself up about."Elsewhere, Paul Lawrie and Colin Montgomerie make their first starts of 2012 in the limited-field Volvo Golf Champions' event in South Africa. The Scots pair form part of a 35-man, no-cut shoot-out which also includes Darren Clarke. With a fondness for Guinness and cigarettes, the Open champion has never been a fitness freak. This is a new year, however, and resolutions have clearly been made."I just thought 'enough is enough' and it was time to get into better shape," he said. "My alcohol consumption is down to zero. But, no pain, no gain and I'm excited about the route I'm taking."

Commenting & Moderation

We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.

Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.

Scots will finally go head to head on US Tour

Commenting & Moderation

MOST READ

SPONSORED LINKS

MOST COMMENTED