Southampton (United States) (AFP) – Australian Adam Scott will make his 100th consecutive major start on Thursday at the US Open, joining record-holder Jack Nicklaus as the only men with runs to reach the century mark. Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, began his streak by sharing 47th at the 2001 British Open. He missed the cut in the event a year earlier in his major debut.
“It’s an interesting one,” Scott said on Tuesday. “I found it difficult, at first, reflecting on something while I’m still playing. I’ve never really been one to dwell on milestones. It’s something I’ll probably do at the end of my career.”
Related news
However, it has 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 recognizing this. It’s a strange one because it’s not something you really set out to do or aim for.”
The 45-year-old from Adelaide was the first Australian to capture the green jacket and during his major streak has managed 19 other top-10 finishes, including a 2012 British Open where he made bogeys on the last four holes and lost to Ernie Els. The ability to withstand such collapses has been part of the secret to Scott’s longevity.
“Overall a certain level of focus has been required over the 25 years to maintain, I’ll call it golf at this elite major championship level. It has taken a lot of focus to do that,” he said. “There are lots of little things you could break down after that, but I’m quite proud I’ve managed to keep my focus this long and keep pushing through. 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.”
Nicklaus, winner of a record 18 major titles, holds the record of playing 146 consecutive majors from the 1962 Masters through the 1998 US Open.
– ‘Really Excited’ –
Scott had a photo taken with Nicklaus two weeks ago at the PGA Tour Memorial event the legend hosts. “He’s the other guy who made it to 100 in a row. He, in fact, made it way past that,” Scott said. “I can’t even think about playing another 11 or 12 years straight of these, but I’m really excited for this week.”
The 100th in a row has been on his mind for a few years. “Since Pinehurst a couple years ago, it kind of was on my radar,” Scott admitted. “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.”
Asked what he wishes his younger self might have known, Scott was philosophical but realistic. “There must have been some level of determination setting out and all positive attributes towards playing golf at a high level,” Scott said. “But I don’t know if my younger self thought I’d still be playing actually at this point. I love playing golf at this level and it’s really all I know how to do, so I’m going to keep trying to do my best for as long as I possibly can.”
© 2024 AFP
