Scott content after opener
ADAM Scott rattled in a late eagle putt to shake off any Presidents Cup hangover at an Australian PGA that nearly lost defending champion Cameron Smith on the launch pad.
Just how much energy the emotional theatre of the Cup had drained from the duo was always a huge question mark heading to Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.
While all eyes were on Scott (70) and Smith (74) at the “statesman” and “rising star” slots on the golf spectrum, a bold Gen Next statement was made by Perth prodigy Min Woo Lee.
The power-hitting kid brother of LPGA star Minjee Lee fought back from a ragged start with six birdies for a fine 68 to eclipse the two major winners he had as partners, Scott and American Stewart Cink (70).
Lee, 21, sits just a shot off the pace set early in the first round by Victorian Lucas Herbert (67) and Queensland’s pro-am king Brett Rankin (67), who capitalised on perfect morning conditions before the tricky afternoon breezes.
Scott has seen numerous Australian young guns rise or fade but his regard for Lee’s grit on first sighting was well earned.
“He’s got a pretty swing and hits it a long way but it was good to see him compose himself after his poor start (with two bogeys) to get on a nice roll,” Scott said.
“They are good qualities to see.”
Scott was pleased with his own largely stress-free round, his putting, his focus and only rued a mis-hit drive on the 13th into the lake that cost him a double bogey.
His bounce-back eagle with a putt from over 5m at the 15th was all class and exemplified his hunger for his first trophy since 2016.
“It’s always hard coming off something very emotionally charged like the Presidents Cup,” Scott said.
“There were times out there I just reminded myself to really focus in and play hard because some soft golf would not have been good.
“Ending up at two-under leaves me in a great spot with hopefully light (morning) winds on Friday so I can work my way up to that pace needed to be in the hunt on Sunday.”