Laird earns first Nationwide victory on final hole

Updated: April 22, 2007, 7:32 PM ET

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Associated Press

BOGART, Ga. -- Scotland's Martin Laird won his first Nationwide Tour title Sunday, birdieing the final hole for a one-stroke victory over Justin Bolli and Jeremy Anderson in the Athens Regional Foundation Classic.

Zurich Classic scores
1. Laird (-16) T-2. Bolli (-14) T-2. Anderson (-14) T-2. Letzig (-14) 5. Damron (-13) • Complete scores

Laird completed the wire-to-wire victory with a 3-under 69 for a 16-under 272 total on the Jennings Mill Country Club course.

"To win wire-to-wire and to win with a birdie on the last hole when I needed it is extra satisfying," Laird said. "Walking to the 16th green, I asked my caddie if I should look at the leaderboard. He said, 'No, we're fine.' My first look at the leaderboard was just before I had my pitch on 18. I knew I had to birdie to win."

The 24-year-old former Colorado State player earned $90,000 to jump to seventh on the money list with $109,691. The final top 25 will earn PGA Tour cards.

"My coach [Steve Dahlby] and I have always talked about securing my PGA Tour card by finishing in the top 25," Laird said.

Bolli, a former University of Georgia player, and Anderson finished with 66s.