Martin Laird Makes Long-Awaited Return to Scotland at Challenging Nexo Championship
So, here’s one for golf fans—Martin Laird, one of Scotland’s most successful golfers in recent decades, has finally returned to home soil for a competitive round for the first time since 2018. That’s right, seven long years. And he’s back for the Nexo Championship, held at none other than the notoriously tough Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen.
Now, if you’ve been following golf at all, you might’ve heard some chatter about how brutal this course can be. Just last week, during the PGA Seniors’ Championship, the cut line was an eye-watering 14-over-par. Only two players finished under par. Let that sink in. So when Laird describes the course as “spectacular, but flipping hard,” he’s not kidding. The conditions—tight fairways, harsh rough, and those legendary Scottish winds—make it a true test, even for seasoned pros.
Also Read:- Dean Cain Swears In as ICE Agent to Support Trump’s Deportation Agenda
- Trump Calls for Intel CEO's Resignation Over China Ties
Laird, now 42, grew up in Glasgow and made his name stateside with four PGA Tour wins, most recently at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in 2020. Despite living in the U.S. for the last 25 years, returning to Scotland to compete has clearly meant a lot to him. “Being back here has energised me,” he said. And it’s not just the nostalgia—it’s the chance to tee it up in front of a home crowd again, on a course he’s somewhat familiar with. In fact, he was even at the grand opening of Trump’s first course back in 2012, playing alongside Donald Trump’s sons and Colin Montgomerie.
This week’s tournament has also seen some changes to try and make the course a bit more playable. Officials have moved the tees forward on seven holes, shortening the layout by around 270 yards from its full 7439-yard stretch. Still, as Laird put it, “It’ll still be flippin’ hard.”
Interestingly, Laird’s return comes at a turning point in his career. Having lost full PGA Tour status at the end of last season, he’s now splitting his time between the main tour, the Korn Ferry Tour, and selected events on the DP World Tour—like this one. That loss of status hasn’t been all bad, though. He’s had more time at home, more flexibility, and even admitted that the grind of constant travel and poor form last year had left him drained. That break, he said, was like a reset.
So while he’s not here under the best career circumstances, Laird sounds refreshed and ready to take on one of the most demanding courses out there. And who knows—maybe this homecoming will spark another great run for the Scotsman.
Read More:
0 Comments