Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has promised to keep a close eye on Martin Laird after his fellow countryman became the first Scot in 21 years to win a US Tour event.

Laird triumphed at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open after sinking a birdie putt on the third extra hole of a play-off with George McNeill and Chad Campbell.

The victory and subsequent cheque for $756,000 guarantees the Bearsden-born player a golden ticket to the US tour for the next two years.

But Laird, who left Scotland for Colorado State University six years ago, is not currently a European Tour player and not eligible for the Ryder Cup despite his win taking him to sixth place on Europe’s world tour list.

And with the Scot desperate to establish himself in the US and unlikely to join the European Tour, Montgomerie will have to use one of his captain’s picks to take Laird to the Ryder Cup.

“It was a fantastic win and I am delighted for him,” said Montgomerie – who has regularly stated he would love a Scot in his team.

“His win is a great boost for Scottish golf after a slightly lean period and it is always good for European golf to have winners on the US PGA Tour.

“He has certainly made himself one to watch over the coming months.”

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Laird captures PGA title

Scotland’s Martin Laird claimed his first ever PGA Tour title with victory at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

The 26-year-old defeated George McNeill and Chad Campbell in a three-way play-off after carding a final-round 68 in Las Vegas.

Laird and McNeill saw off Campbell on the second play-off hole before the Scot triumphed at the third to clinch the £462, 000 prize.

"When I got into the play-off I was surprised,” said Laird.

“I kind of chilled out a little. I was pretty nervous the last two or three holes in regulation, and once I got there in the play-off I kind of relaxed a little more.

“I was most nervous over the first few holes starting out, and then coming in there I was amazed how calm I was coming down the stretch.”