Colorado State University Athletics
Laird just short at The Barclays
8/30/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Aug. 30, 2010
By Jeff Black
Athletic Media Relations
PARAMUS, N.J. - Former Colorado State golfer Martin Laird needed only to par the 18th hole Sunday afternoon at The Barclays to claim his first PGA Tour win of 2010. After reaching the green in two, however, the Scot three-putted to go to a playoff with Matt Kuchar.
Laird was tied with Kuchar heading to Hole 17 when his eagle putt rolled eight feet past the cup. However he would sink the birdie putt for the lead. Within 25 feet of the hole on the 18th green after a brilliant approach, Laird looked to have secured his victory but could not finish, putting long for birdie and short for par.
Kuchar, who will play for the Americans this fall in the Ryder Cup, went on to claim the title on the first playoff hole, capping a memorable opening to the 2010 FedEx Cup playoffs.
Laird would have liked to have finished stronger, but was pleased just to be in the running.
"Obviously, not the finish I was looking for," said Laird, who shot a 71 Sunday. "But I'm very proud of the way I played. I was kind of battling all day, and probably holed two or three of the biggest putts I've ever holed just to be where I was."
As consolation for Laird, he should be safe through next month in the FedEx Cup playoffs. The second-place finish puts him at No. 3 in the standings, which should mean he’ll be among the top 30 competing for at the Tour Championship and the $10 million prize that goes with the FedEx Cup.
Colorado State Head Coach Jamie Bermel, whom Laird played under during his time at CSU, was very proud of his former pupil.
“I’m sure it’s tough out there when you have a three stroke lead and everybody’s gunning for you but he played well and just came up a little short,” said Bermel. “It was a great tournament and he’s quite happy. He’s really happy with his FedEx Cup standings and he has a lot of confidence right now. Hopefully he continues to play well.”
Laird still holds many records at CSU, including career top-10 and top-20 finishes, single-season stroke average, and the most individual tournaments won in a career (4).
