Scott ends his title drought
Three-year wait over as Australian wins in US
GOLF: Adam Scott is back in a big way just months after confessing he wondered whether he would win again against the world’s best during a threeyear winless stretch.
The classy Aussie beat the game’s finest to win the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles yesterday morning (AEST) at the revered Riviera Country Club.
Scott’s fighting final round one-under-par 70 left him at 11-under and took him to the summit at a tournament where he beat the world’s top six players as well as Tiger Woods.
Scott (72-64-67-70) out-duelled golf’s world No.1 Rory McIlroy, who tripped early in his round with a triple bogey and carded a 73 as his playing partner.
“It’s amazing. I love this place,” Scott said greenside after the two-stroke win.
“I’m stoked with this. This feels very, very special.”
The Aussie entered the event as world No.14 but will be on his way to nudging back into the top 10 with this superb victory.
Scott’s drought-breaking tournament win at the Australian PGA on the Gold Coast just before Christmas really has been the springboard he predicted it could be.
After his win on the Gold Coast, Scott analysed just what he hoped the victory vibes would do for his game.
“It’s big for the confidence. You win and you feel like you’re never going to lose again so you want to run with it,” Scott said.
“Not only have I seen what a win at the end of 2012 in Australia did for me but I’ve seen Rory win in ‘13 (at the Australian Open) and go on to have an amazing 2014 and Jordan Spieth do the same.”
At 39, the surge of reinforcement this gives to Scott is immense because it tells him he is on the right track with his game and preparation.
“Maybe once or twice the thought did cross my mind that I’ll never win again,” Scott said of his three years without a win worldwide.