Laird looks to repeat Texas success

The Scotsman won the event at TPC San Antonio 12 months ago after squeezing out Rory McIlroy with a closing round of 63.

But he has since slipped out of the world's top 100, failing to register a single top-10 finish in 2014 so far.

"I'm obviously excited to be back this week," said the 31-year-old. "I have a lot of fond memories from last year and the way the tournament finished. It's a golf course I love and feel comfortable on. Hopefully that motivates me to kind of turn it around a little bit this week."

Laird will throw on his golf clothing to begin his defence alongside Phil Mickelson and 20-year-old emerging star Jordan Spieth on Thursday.

He needs to repeat his 2013 win if he is to get into the field for the Masters, the year's opening major, in two weeks' time.

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