Scott’s tinkering set to deliver major rewards
GOLD Coast’s Adam Scott says changes made during the past two years are beginning to pay off as he eyes a return to the winner’s circle.
Scott, 38, has made coaching changes, putting adjustments, trialled playing in three-week blocks and in tournaments immediately before the four majors.
The process reached its low point in the first half of last year when Scott struggled to qualify for the US Open and plummeted to 76th on the world rankings.
But the former world No.1 is on his way back from the doldrums with a runner-up to Justin Rose at Torrey Pines two weeks ago improving his ranking to No.31.
Although the Queenslander’s drought is almost out to three years, Scott feels he is on the cusp of reclaiming his top form as he prepares for this week’s Pebble Beach Pro Am in California.
“I have made lots of changes over the last few years and think my game is close,” Scott said.
“Obviously, one week (at Torrey Pines) doesn’t compare to three straight years of me playing at the highest level (between 2013 and 2016).
“But I can see now my good golf is the highest level, which is encouraging.”
Scott reunited last year with former swing coach and brother-in-law Brad Malone, who worked with Scott in the years leading up to his historic 2013 US Masters win at Augusta.
At Torrey Pines last month, smooth-swinging Scott found success in adopting an armlock putting grip with a longer putter, ranking in the top 15 on the greens at the Farmers Insurance Open.
Scott is joined in the field by fellow Queenslander Jason Day, who finished runner-up at Pebble Beach last year.