Aiming for the Claret jugular

A MAN on a mission, Adam Scott has arrived at Royal Birkdale intent on finally getting his hands on the elusive Claret Jug after a succession of painful British Open misses.

“It’s unfinished business for sure,” a steely-eyed Scott said ahead of tomorrow’s start to the 146th Open.

Desperate to shed his tag as a one-major wonder, the 2013 Masters champion and former world No.1 says four top-10s – including a shattering second in 2012 – in his past five Opens have left a bittersweet taste.

His collapse from four shots up with four holes to play at Royal Lytham preceded his equal third at Muirfield in 2013, another top five at Royal Liverpool in 2014 and a tie for 10th at St Andrews in 2015 after he led into the back nine.

Scott, 37, is clearly tired of being Open’s nearly man.

“It’s been a tournament I’ve been really close to breaking through at and obviously all we talk about is majors all the time and this is a very special one for everyone who has won it,” Scott said.

“So for me now it’s just about getting it done and that’s all I’m worried about this week. My game is in good shape. I think all areas of my game are good enough.

“I just have to have some focus and get myself in position and, once I’m there, I believe I’ve got what it takes.”

As much as his close shaves have frustrated Scott, the world No.15 also draws confi-

dence from consistently contending for golf’s oldest and most prestigious trophy.

“I’m very confident I can handle myself on links (courses). I’ve played a lot of good golf on links courses,” he said.

“Some people get it really quick and others don’t and as I’ve put in a little bit more, I’ve got out a bit more too.

“So I’m very happy with that but for sure it’s unfinished business.

“I’ve just got to stay really patient for three days and hope that’s going to put me in a position where I have a good chance on Sunday.”

Further fuelling Scott’s confidence is the fact, like Lytham, Birkdale – where he was tied 16th in 2008 – is a driver’s course where only supreme accuracy off the tee will suffice.