WATCH: Martin Laird emotional after breaking seven-year title drought

Martin Laird couldn’t help but get a little bit choked up after clinching his first PGA Tour win since 2013 at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas.
The Scotsman overcame a closing bogey on the 72nd hole to beat Americans Matthew Wolff and Austin Cook in a three-way play-off and secure his fourth PGA Tour title.
But it’s the seven-year wait for title number four that had the 37-year-old feeling particularly grateful to come out on top – particularly as he was only able to play in Las Vegas by virtue of a sponsor’s exemption.
“It’s been a while, so…” Laird said before trailing off as his emotions got the better of him.
“You know, I’ve been working hard. Seven years since my last one, but I’ve been feeling my game now is probably as good as it has been.
“I’ve been playing well the last few weeks, I just haven’t really had the results.
“I love it here. They were nice enough to… I needed a sponsor exemption to get in this week… so a big thank you to Shriners for giving me that spot.
“But obviously I’m going to really enjoy this one.”
Now that he has another PGA Tour victory under his belt, Laird won’t have to rely on sponsor’s exemptions anymore.
Asked how the win changed his goals for the remainder of the season, Laird smiled as he fought back tears.
“I haven’t really had time to even think about that… as you can tell, it’s emotional,” he said.
“I can’t wait get back to see my kids and my wife and celebrate with them.”
Latest
-
News
On this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
Lucas Glover edges past Patrick Cantlay to claim back-to-back Tour wins
Glover, 43, ultimately claimed victory with a par on the 18th hole playoff after Cantlay found water off the tee.
-
Lilia Vu wins second major as Charley Hull comes up short despite stunning eagle
American Vu added the Women’s Open title to her Chevron Championship.
-
Lucas Glover holds onto lead in Memphis with Tommy Fleetwood two strokes behind
Glover said it was a scrappy day but he got ‘a lot out of’ what he had.
-
Charley Hull shares lead with Lilia Vu heading into final day of Women’s Open
The pair are nine under for the tournament.
-
On This Day in 2007 – Tiger Woods claims 13th major with victory in Oklahoma
The world number one successfully defended his US PGA Championship title.
-
Ally Ewing out to emulate Brian Harman with Open win
The pair share their southern roots, passion for hunting and college teams named the Bulldogs.
-
Ally Ewing storms clear during second round of AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath
At 10 under par Ewing enjoyed a five-shot lead over compatriot Andrea Lee and Japan’s Minami Katsu.
-
Jordan Spieth leads by one after first round of FedEx St Jude Championship
England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai are the best of the British contingent, closing out Thursday on four under par.
-
Rory McIlroy delighted with Tiger Woods’ role on PGA Tour’s policy board
Woods, 47, has not played since withdrawing from April’s Masters and concedes his playing opportunities will be extremely limited going forward.