Australia’s Adam Scott remains determined to achieve something that has been accomplished just once before in the history of Australian golf and that is become only the second ‘Down Under’ golfer to come out on top in two different Major Championships.
The reigning Masters champion, who looks to emulate the efforts of David Graham who won a US Open and PGA Championship, heads into the final round of the 142nd Open Championship just three shots behind England’s Lee Westwood who heads the field by a shot on three under par.
While Scott earlier this year became the first Australian to win the Masters he arrived at Muirfield earlier this week still looking to bury any lingering demons after letting slip victory in the 2012 Open Championship when he bogeyed the four closing holes at Royal Lytham and St. Annes.
Adam Scott looks to the sky wondering if he can become the second Australian to win two different Majors. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
“I think I go out there tomorrow not carrying the weight of the lead or not having won a major,” Scott said.
“So it’s a different feeling (from last year).
“Hopefully I can play enough quality shots to give myself chances to be in the hunt right at the end.”
“… It would be a fairy tale if were to happen. They do occasionally happen, so I’m not counting myself out of it at all.”
While most of the field has struggled on the sun-baked Scottish links gem course this week, Scott has again displayed all the hallmarks that earned him a first Major earlier this year.
On a course he considered “probably a par 75”, he picked up crucial birdies at the third, ninth and 13th holes on Saturday and was again able to limit his mistakes.
Scott heads to the last day a shot clear of Masters runner-up Angel Cabrera (73), Zach Johnson (73), Ryan Moore (72) and Henrik Stenson (74).
Overnight leader Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain slumped to a 77 to be tied 11th in group including Jason Day.
Day, a three time Major runner-up has not ruled out his chance of also creating another Australian first of two different Aussies winning two different majors in the one season.
“Sunday golf at a major championship with a lot on the line, so anything can happen,” said Day.
