"Last week I saw an article that said I was one of the best putters on tour. I laughed when I read that."

John Huggan files an aptly timed Sunday column profiling Martin Laird, who holds a two-stroke lead going into the final day at Bay Hill. Laird also recently scouted Augusta in advance of his first Masters and found it familiar from television, with one caveat.

"I loved the par-5 13th, one that just might be the best hole in the world. It's not that long but it is so tricky and offers so many options. There must be about five different ways to play it. All in all though, there weren't many surprises, being so familiar with the place from television. Apart from one thing - the course was tighter than I expected. You have to drive the ball well round there. If you don't, you'll be in trouble."

On paper at least, the strengths of Laird's game would seem to indicate he will do well on a course where long hitting is a pre-requisite (Laird averages 303 yards from the tee) and an ability to make birdies is vital (he has made more than four per round so far this year). Only his inexperience of both the conditions and the occasion would seem to indicate something other than a successful week.

But first Laird needs to deal with Sunday and as Sean Martin notes, the Scot can draw from a clutch performance last fall in Orlando.

Four men trailing Laird Sunday have a chance to get in the Masters with a win, Bob Harig notes. Including Augusta resident Charles Howell.