Martin Laird returned to action in the Frys.com Open in Arizona yesterday after his maiden PGA Tour victory last week – but already has his sights set on bigger and better things.

The 26-year-old carded an opening round 67 to leave him four shots behind overnight leader Nick O’Hern of Australia who finished on seven-under par.

But Laird – who is now the Scottish No1 following his victory at the Shriners Open in Las Vegas – is already looking to next year’s Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

He said: “It’s a huge relief to win a tournament because it means I’m now free to play where and when I want rather than chasing the money.

“It’s great to get out there again and put in a decent round and hopefully it means that I can play even better.

“I laughed off playing in the Ryder Cup when people mentioned it before but now it’s right on my radar – it would be the pinnacle of my career if I was able to take part.”