Martin Laird demands final-round improvement

Martin Laird Phoenix Open Golf

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Martin Laird says he will have to raise his game in Sunday’s final round of the Phoenix Open if he wants to win the tournament.

The Scot holds a three-shot lead going into the final day in Arizona after a third-round three-under 68 extended his halfway advantage over American duo Brooks Koepka and Zach Johnson and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama.

It looked like Laird may offer his rivals a chance when he bogeyed the par-four first hole but he then birdied the third and fourth to move to 11-under overall.

He completed the round on 13-under for the tournament and is the clear favourite to win his fourth PGA Tour tournament event, but admits he needs to raise his game.

“Today was a little bit of everything,” Laird told the PGA Tour website. “I hit some of my best shots and some of my worst.

“Obviously, I’m happy to extend my lead. I’m going to have to play better tomorrow.”

Laird has not won on the Tour since the 2013 Texas Open but feels he is finally getting back to his best.

“I’m feeling comfortable out here this week,” said Laird. “After struggling last year I’m happy with my game and hope I can keep it going.”

Laird is priced at 2.61 to win the Phoenix Open and can be backed at 2.00 to beat Koepka over 18 holes.

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