Martin Laird Bio
Martin Charles Campbell Laird (born 29 December 1982) is a Scottish professional golfer, playing on the PGA Tour. He has won four PGA Tour events in his career, most recently the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in 2020. Until Russell Knox earned his card via the 2011 Nationwide Tour, Laird was the only Scottish player on the PGA Tour.
Early Life and Background
Martin Laird was born in Glasgow, Scotland, where he began playing golf at a young age. He played his junior golf at Kirkintilloch Golf Club and later moved to Hilton Park Golf Club for his youth golf. Initially, Laird learned to play golf left-handed but eventually switched to playing right-handed. He pursued his education at Colorado State University, where he received a golf scholarship and played for the Colorado State Rams in the Mountain West Conference.
Path to Golf
Laird moved to the United States in 2000 at the age of 17 to attend Colorado State University. Under the guidance of head coach Jamie Bermel, he excelled in college golf, winning four individual titles during his four years. His notable victories include the Mountain West Conference Men’s Golf Championship in 2002 and the El Diablo Intercollegiate in 2003. After graduating with a degree in marketing in 2004, Laird turned professional and began his career on the golf circuit.
Martin Laird Career
Early Career (2004-2007)
Laird turned professional in 2004 and won his second professional tournament, the Denver Open, shortly after. He played on the Nationwide Tour, where he had limited success initially but gradually improved his performance. In 2007, he won the Athens Regional Foundation Classic, which earned him his PGA Tour card for the 2008 season.
Breakthrough (2009-2011)
Laird’s breakthrough came in 2009 when he won the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, becoming the first Scot to win a PGA Tour event in America since Sandy Lyle in 1988. This victory secured his Tour card for the following seasons and significantly improved his world ranking. In 2011, he achieved the biggest title of his career by winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational, becoming the first European to do so.
Notable Works and Milestones
Martin Laird’s signature work includes his victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which solidified his status as a top player on the PGA Tour. His career has been marked by significant achievements, including four PGA Tour wins and a highest world ranking of 21.
Martin Laird Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Martin Laird has been recognized for his achievements in professional golf, particularly for his performances on the PGA Tour.
Martin Laird Awards Won
Laird has won several prestigious awards, including four PGA Tour events, highlighting his success and consistency in the sport.
Martin Laird Family
Martin Laird is married to Meagan Franks, whom he wed on 31 July 2011. She is from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and is the daughter of golf professional Hank Franks.
Personal Life
Laird resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, and continues to compete on the PGA Tour. He maintains a low profile regarding his personal life but is known to be dedicated to his family and career.
