MARTIN LAIRD'S 200O MEMORIES A SPUR FOR NEXT WEEK'S SCOTLAND BOYS' TEAM AT MURCAR LINKS

FROM THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION WEBSITE

Ahead of Murcar Links hosting the European boys’ team championship from Tuesday to Saturday next week (July 9 to 13), Martin Laird talks exclusively in our Q and A feature about being part of the winning Scotland side 13 years ago.

The three-time winner on the US PGA Tour and Scotland’s second-highest ranked golfer is looking forward to playing on home soil at next week's Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, but the Glasgow exile hopes his young countrymen can also enjoy success at Murcar.

What are your memories of Scotland’s European boys' team win in 2000?

Martin Laird: “I still have great memories of winning the European boys' team championship back in 2000. I remember we had a great team and were playing Ireland in the final with the deciding game going to extra holes. David Inglis made par  to win the championship.

“We were all obviously following that game down the first and celebrated there when we won it. Looking back, I realise that those moments when you win as part of a team are some of the best and most fun times you have playing golf.

“We had a great group of guys and had a lot of fun competing all week. It’s always great to represent Scotland and to win a major tournament like that is something I will always remember.”

How good an event was that to win at that stage in your career? 

Martin Laird: “It was a fantastic event to compete in and win at that stage in my career. Anytime you get to play against the best players from all around Europe and end up on top at the end, it lets you know that you have the game to compete on a big stage.

“It can only help your confidence and motivate you to keep working hard and try and experience that success again. Wins like that are all little stepping stones in your career that you need to keep improving.”

How good is the event in terms of helping players develop?

Martin Laird: “It’s a fantastic event for players development as they get to go head to head with the best players in Europe at their age.

“You not only get to see how good everyone is from all over Europe but you get to see how different people prepare and practice. You pick up little pieces of information that you can use to get better.”

Is that win among your best amateur memories, or are there other highlights? Scottish Youths win in 2003?

Martin Laird: “Winning the European boys' team title  is definitely among my best amateur memories, as for me the team events as an amateur were always the most enjoyable.

“Making the Scotland team was what I practised for all year, so to make the team and win the European boys' championship  is definitely up there with my best times as an amateur.

“My Scottish youths win is obviously also a fantastic memory for me as it was my only individual national title and that is something I will always have. My dad also caddied for me that week which made it even more memorable.”

Can you provide an update on how your year is going and what are your hopes for the rest of 2013? How much are you looking forward to Castle Stuart next week?

Martin Laird: “My year has been mixed so far. I have played some great golf as well as some poor weeks. I struggled with my game at the start of the year but have been hitting the ball great for the last few months and just need to become a little more consistent on the greens.

“Anytime you win it’s a good year so I don't have any complaints so far. I’m really looking forward to getting back for the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

“I enjoy playing at Castle Stuart and the crowds have been fantastic the past couple years when we have played there so I am excited to play in front of a home crowd again. Hopefully I can get myself in the mix on Sunday and give the crowds a home win.”