Laird on top as Rose stakes claim

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August 29, 2010

Scotland’s Martin Laird produced a superb six-under 65 in Saturday’s 3rd round to secure a three-shot lead at The Barclays.

Scotland’s Martin Laird produced a superb six-under 65 in Saturday’s 3rd round to secure a three-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round the The Barclays.
The 27-year-old, chasing his second PGA Tour title, did not drop a shot and laid the groundwork for his outstanding score at Richewood Country Club with four consecutive birdies from the second to the fifth.
He then picked up further shots at the 10th and the 17th that took him 12 under for the tournament – and with a handy advantage over Dustin Johnson and second-round leader Jason Day.
Big hitter Johnson was one of the day’s big movers as he went one better than Laird to shoot a 64 and move into a tie for second.
Australian Day had a mixed day as he picked up four birdies and an eagle but also carded five bogeys in a round of 70.
Adam Scott was at eight under while England’s Justin Rose was also in contention after his 65. Like Laird he picked up six birdies in a flawless round to join a five-strong group at seven under par.
The 30-year-old is one of several players, including Padraig Harrington, Paul Casey and Luke Donald, facing an anxious wait to see whether they will be named as one of Colin Montgomerie’s wild card picks for October’s Ryder Cup.
With Montgomerie set to name his picks during tomorrow’s final round, Rose knew that today was his last chance to make an impression.
He said: “I think he will be making his picks before we even tee it up tomorrow. So today was the big day for me.
“I think I just had to make a little bit of noise. I think it’s a tight selection process right now where it is tied for the lead in Scotland (at the Johnnie Walker Championship). and there is also Luke Donald, Harrington and Casey over here
“It can go any way. He’s got many combinations that will work for him. I had a little bit of a flat last month. So it’s just been nice to make a little bit of noise and shoot a great round to show him my game is there.
“I went out there to play calm and really enjoy my round of golf. I didn’t go out there to try and prove anything today. But I’m glad that it worked out. I think it’s a timely round of golf.”
Casey, Harrington and Ian Poulter were all at five under after rounds of 70, 71 and 66 respectively.
Donald was at three under while Tiger Woods, the first round leader, had another disappointing day,shooting a two-over 73.
Woods’ round got off to the worst possible start as he dropped three shots at the first and then bogeyed the ninth.
It helped his score a little that he did manage to pick up shots at 13, 17 and 18.