Share

Scott: Muirfield loss hurts more

Rochester - Masters champion Adam Scott says he was more disappointed to lose last month's tightly contested British Open than he was in squandering a four-shot lead to lose last year's Open.

But the 33-year-old Australian is hoping that his share of third at Muirfield is a sign that he is poised to make another run at a major title this week at the 95th PGA Championship.

"It has been a good year in the majors," Scott said.

"It was really pleasing to play well again at the Open so I feel like I'm in some kind of form coming into the PGA.

"I would really love to get myself in there with a chance to bookend the Masters with a PGA Championship."

Scott, who became the first Aussie to claim a green jacket with his triumph in April at Augusta National, owned a four-shot lead with four holes to play in last year's British Open at Royal Lytham, only to finish with four bogeys and hand Ernie Els the crown.

Last month, a late fade took Scott out of contention and Phil Mickelson took the Claret Jug.

"I think I was probably more disappointed at the Open this year than last," Scott said.

"I worked really hard to get myself in a position with nine holes to go and I felt that I had a bit of momentum going my way.

"To kind of, in the space of about 45 minutes, go from leading to not even having a chance on the 16th tee was more disappointing than at Lytham.

"It was a completely different situation, but I was feeling like I could do it again, because I have done it, (became) the disappointment after recently winning from a position like that."

Scott added that the can feel his confidence building since winning the Masters.

"I built a mindset that I was good enough to be a major champion and it didn't really matter that I wasn't," he said.

"So winning, obviously, was extremely satisfying and confirmed that I can do it. It has gotten better and I've backed it up with some decent play and a good performance in The Open, which is important, because you don't want to win the Masters and expectations go through the roof and you play poorly.

"You've got to keep pushing, and I've been really conscious to do that this year so that I can get myself here this week feeling like I'm as good a chance to win as anyone and can keep the momentum I've built the last couple years."

Scott would be only the third repeat winner in 21 majors if he can win at Oak Hill this week, joining Mickelson and defending champion Rory McIlroy.

"It could just be chance, coincidence that that has happened," Scott said.

"Maybe we're starting a new cycle. They are quite recent repeat winners, so maybe the new cycle is that there will be some more. Hopefully."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE