Colorado State University Athletics
Laird leads Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill
3/26/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
March 26, 2011
By Gavin Davis
Athletic Media Relations
ORLANDO, Fla. - Martin Laird, a 2004 CSU graduate, leads the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Laird has put together an impressive tournament thus far and leads after 54 holes of competition Saturday.
An 11-under-par 205 puts him atop the leaderboard with a 2-stroke lead over Spencer Levin. Laird created some separation early in Saturday’s round with three straight birdies and a four-shot lead. Levin crept his way back but Laird finished the round at 2-under-par 70, one stroke ahead of Levin’s 71 (-1).
Laird put together a 2-under-par 70 in the first round then pushed his way to the top in the second round with a 7-under-par 65. His second round was composed of six birdies and an eagle with only one bogey.
He has history at Colorado State, including many records and tournament victories. Nobody else wants him to do better than his former Head Coach Jamie Bermel.
“Martin just needs to play his game and not worry about anyone else,” said Bermel. “He has been in this position before and I’m certain he will be up for the challenge. He is playing with a lot of confidence and is playing really well. It’s exciting to have a former player and CSU Ram playing well on national television. I think it’s great for the golf team, athletic department, university, and the city of Fort Collins. I’m hopeful he can bring home the trophy.”
With a good fourth round, Laird is in prime position for a tournament win. Ernie Els is the defending tournament champion. Els won the Arnold Palmer Invite with a 277 (-11). Laird and Levin tee-off at 11:35 a.m. MT for their fourth and final round.
Results after Round 3 at Arnold Palmer Invitational:
1 Martin Laird 70-65-70--205
2 Spencer Levin 66-70-71--207
T3 Steve Marino 71-67-71--209
T3 Bubba Watson 70-71-68--209
T5 David Toms 74-67-69--210
T5 Rickie Fowler 69-71-70--210
