US-based golfer Martin Laird is relishing the prospect of returning to his homeland to participate in the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.

Laird, who moved to the USA before turning professional in 2004, will also make his Open debut at Turberry.

"I like it over there, but I wish I could come back and play in Scotland," the 26-year-old told the BBC.

"Hopefully, in the next few years, I'll get to the level where I can come back and play on the European Tour."

Laird left Scotland to study for a marketing degree at Colorado University on a golf scholarship and settled in Arizona before turning pro.

I wear a belt with a Saltire on it and on my golf bag and tees Martin Laird

Originally a left-hander, he switched to right-handed golf and, more recently, appointed a new coach to help him improve his play on links courses.

"I've tried to make some changes with the view to getting better and trying to become a more complete player," said Laird.

"For some reason, it wasn't working out and, for the first four months of this year, I was really struggling.

"So I've tried a new coach and since then it's much better."

Laird has also qualified for The Open at Turnberry through the American qualifiers and admitted he was pleased to be taking part in a European Tour event having spent so long in the USA.

"I live in Arizona, so the PGA Tour is pretty similar to the European tour, except I don't need my passport," said Laird.

"I wear a belt with a Saltire on it and on my golf bag and tees. If I was here, I probably wouldn't have all of that, but I try to keep the flag as visible as possible.

"When you've been away as long as I have, you try to keep people aware of where you're from."

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