Confident Scott just three behind leader
Adam Scott is familiar with great golf. He’s the top-ranked player in the world coming off a victory last week at the Crowne Plaza Invitational.
But Scott also has been a witness to how quickly it can unravel at Muirfield Village. On Friday, he watched playing partner Rory McIlroy doublebogey three straight holes. Yesterday, Gary Woodland did the same thing.
“You get a little out of position on this golf course, and you can really pay the price,” Scott said.
Scott seems impervious to such disasters these days.
“Obviously, I’m playing with a lot of confidence,” Scott said after he shot a 4-under-par 68 to trail leader Bubba Watson by three shots. “It’s funny how quickly it can build because I went to Crowne Plaza having not swung the club very well at the Players (Championship) and then it really falls into place on Sunday.
“And then by Thursday here, I’m thinking I’m never going to miss a shot, and I’ve played really nice this week. So it can change so quickly, and you’ve got to take advantage of it when it’s there.”
Scott parred the first six holes yesterday before making birdies on three of the next five. He then eagled the par-5 No. 15, sinking a 25-footer. Scott gave one shot back with a bogey on No. 18. His best finish at the Memorial is a tie for fourth in 2006.
“You look at the list of guys who’ve won here and how they’ve felt when they’ve won,” Scott said. “It’s an incredible moment to be here on the 18th green with Jack Nicklaus if you get that opportunity in your life. The hairs are standing up on my arm (thinking about it).”
Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, will be chasing Watson, who won this year at Augusta.
“I’m in a good position where I can possibly post a number, and that makes life a little harder for the leader,” Scott said.