Adam Scott will make his 100th consecutive major championship appearance when he takes to the first tee at Shinnecock Hills alongside Harris English and Nick Taylor on Thursday morning, and he admitted that reaching that milestone has been increasingly on his mind as it began to draw closer.
“Yeah, it’s an interesting one, as I’ve thought about it over the last couple of weeks, obviously this week getting closer,” Scott said to assembled media in his pre-tournament press conference. “I found it difficult at first reflecting on something while I’m still playing. I think I’ve never really been one to dwell on milestones. I think it’s something I’ll probably do at the end of my career.
“However, it’s resonated a little bit more with me the last few days, and from people close to me, to my sponsors and partners, I’m so appreciative of everyone recognising this. It’s a strange one because it’s not something you really set out to do or aim for.
“But in all honesty, since Pinehurst a couple years ago, it kind of was on my radar. Earlier this year, as I wasn’t automatically qualified for this event, it became a bit of a weight on my shoulders making sure I got here.
“It’s been fun. I had a photograph with Jack Nicklaus a couple of weeks ago at his Memorial Tournament, and he’s the other guy who made it to a hundred in a row. He, in fact, made it way past that, and I can’t even think about playing another 11 or 12 years straight of these, but I’m really excited for this week.”
The Australian, who won the Masters in 2013, wasn’t exempt before an impressive performance at the Cadillac Championship at Doral clinched his spot and ensured that, injury aside, he’d become just the second player in history to reach a consecutive century in majors. But he was determined to qualify on his own merit, and admitted that he hadn’t asked the USGA for a special exemption.
Scott attributes his determination and focus as being the key factors to reaching the milestone, and admitted that it’s been a challenge to maintain a strong mental game over a quarter of a century.
“I would say probably overall a certain level of focus has been required over the 25 years to maintain, I’ll call it golf at this elite level, major championship level. It has taken a lot of focus to do that,” he said.
“I think there are lots of little things you could break down after that, but I’m quite proud that I’ve managed to keep my focus this long and keep pushing through. Obviously not all years and all weeks out here are easy, and you’re playing full of confidence, manage to keep it all together for a long time.”
Though he missed the cut at the Memorial Tournament in his last competitive start, he managed to turn it into an opportunity to scout Shinnecock Hills and he very much likes what he sees.
“I’ve played four practice rounds, and I came with a blank slate,” he explained. “It’s funny how when you play poorly at an event, you can forget about what went on, and I really don’t remember much of ’18 from a playing perspective.
“Came here excited on Thursday and really felt like I had a fresh look at the golf course and a fresh take and felt comfortable straight away. I think the green complexes aren’t dissimilar to playing into Royal Melbourne style greens. At least that’s what I’m telling myself, and that’s a comfortable place for me.
“I’m looking at it with a fresh set of eyes this week and feel like I’m much more prepared at this point than I was at the last two here.”
Tiger Woods and Pádraig Harrington have both spoken of how tougher major championship setups, particularly courses that play firm and fast, offer the best opportunities for older players to compete with the young guns and Scott also prescribes to that theory.
“Yeah, for sure,” he said. “The first thing I would say is length. The firmer running courses generally take the length advantage out of it because the shorter hitter will get some length, and the longer hitters kind of have to play back. I think The Open Championship is the most open, where anyone in the field could potentially win.
“I think some experience comes with that theory, as well. Once the ball is moving on the ground, having great control of the golf ball and strategizing around a golf course becomes a big part of that. I think guys like Tiger obviously, but Padraig as well, just are so experienced and understand how to work their way around a golf course is really helpful. And, of course, they’re major champions, multiple major champions, and they know how to do it under pressure, as well.
“They’re the kind of things — although I’m not a multiple major champion, but at this point, when it comes down to being in contention, hopefully the strategy and experience I can use to my advantage.”
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