Scott the champion

Adam Scott became the first Australian Masters Champion

ou grew up watching Australian Augusta heartbreaks. What was it like to vanquish 77 years of Masters demons?

Well … “When is an Aussie going to win the Masters?” was a question I had to answer every single year I played at Augusta, right from the beginning. I’d been doing that for about 12 years by the time 2013 came around. Even though you block out some of the stuff you have to talk about with the media, sometimes it’s still on your mind.

Did it occur to you when you defeated Angel Cabrera in a play-off that you’d made history?

Yes, I think so. I was well aware of what a thing it was – not just in Australian golf, but sport in general. The Masters is still the biggest victory of my life and I just felt it was something big for Australian sport. It was just incredible. I can’t believe it was my destiny to win at Augusta, when you had so many great Australian players lead the way and with Greg coming so close. But it ended up being me. It was just fate.

How big was the celebration?

There’s not a lot going on in Augusta, Georgia on a Sunday night. As far as the celebrating went, we didn’t get back to the house until 1am after all the champion’s commitments. It was obviously a really fun evening that wrapped up about 3am. By then, we were scrambling around to find another couple of beers for everyone and I don’t think our neighbours were awake!

When did you first get to visit the Champions Locker Room?

It was literally only a few hours after I had won, and some of the official proceedings were finished, that I was taken up to the Champions Room. To share that room with the people who are up there … it’s indescribable. It’s an incredible fraternity of players. But to see that I would forever share a locker with Gary Player, it’s something you could never dream of. Sitting at the table at the Champions Dinner the following year and looking down at the greatest players who have ever played the game, it’s really special to know you’ll be at that dinner for a long, long time.

“I felt it was something big for Australian sport. It was just incredible”

You’ve never finished worse than 28th at Augusta, with top-tens in 2011, 2013 and 2016 all genuine chances to win. What do you think has stopped you getting over the line?

I think just keeping my emotions in check. Obviously, The Masters is the Major every golfer wants the most. I am a very excitable guy, but to win The Masters you need to stay calm during the big moments. Over the last few years, it’s been more of a grind trying to get that win because a lot of people have come up to me and said, “This is your year. You’re going to win one”. That can add more pressure.

What have you learned about playing Augusta since your Masters debut in 2011?

That you’re never out of it. Anything can happen. The

“You’re never out of it. The Masters can change in a heartbeat”

DRae’s Creek The creek, which runs behind the 11th green and more famously in front of the 12th green, is the lowest point at Augusta – nearly 160ft below the 10th tee. It is said that every putt on the course is drawn in its direction. Named after Irish trader John Rae, who settled in Augusta in 1734, it’s been the downfall of many a player, most notably Greg Norman in 1996 and Jordan Spieth in 2016.