Australia’s in-form Adam Scott is hoping his current hot streak continues not only into this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational but onto into next week’s WGC – Dell Match-Play Championship and, more importantly, right up to the final hole of the April 7th commencing Masters.
There’s no question Scott is presently the hottest golfer on the planet having won his last two events – the Honda Classic and WGC – Cadillac Championship p- and not looking to make it a hat-trick of victories on the PGA Tour at Bay Hill.
The back-to-back triumphs, and only the second occasion in Scott’s 16-year old pro career he’s achieved such a feat, lifted the Bahamas-based Aussie to No. 6 in the World Rankings, and up six places from his 2015 ending 12th placing.
And while Scott has talked in recent weeks in getting back to World No. 1, and a position he enjoyed in July 2014, the now 35-year old has also put himself into favouritism to win a second Masters green jacket.
Adam Scott looking to continue his winning ways at this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
“I don’t really know how long I can keep it up but then you have goot to take advantage of it while it’s there, that’s the big thing,” he said on the eve of the $US 6.2m event in suburban Orlando.
“I clearly feel confident I can play well this week. Nothing feels any different than when I left Doral and I’d like to get myself in that position to win again this week and keep it running.
“To use examples, is not the best but, you know, Tiger (Woods) kept running for about ten years (smiling). So maybe I’ve got a couple more weeks in me.
“Hopefully I haven’t peaked too early but that’s the point is to try to get yourself ready for every tournament you play and managing your schedule and managing, you know, how much energy you spend practicing and playing and then understanding what it takes out of you when you’re playing in contention and then resting, getting ready to go again.
“Guys like Tiger and some of the best players of history have showed that they can sustain a high level of golf for fairly long periods of time.
Whose name will be added to the Honour Roll at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“It’s just a matter of finding that formula for you. I’m always trying to ask myself the question and be honest do I need rest, do I need practice, what suits me right now.”
However if Scott is to capture a 29th tournament of his pro career he first has to silence any lingering Bay Hills demons.
Two year ago, he teed-up as the defending Masters champion first shooting a blistering round of 62 and three fewer than his nearest rival. Scott continued to lead after day two posting a 68 and went in the final round still in front at 11-under par following a third day 71 and with the tournament his for the taking.
However Scott stumbled horribly over the final round shooting a 76 to end in third place and two strokes behind eventual champion Matt Every who also is the defending champion again this week.
It was a bitter pill Scott had to swallow just weeks out from hosting the ‘Former Champions Dinner’ and defending his Masters crown.
“My game was falling into a good spot and I really wanted to take advantage because there was some memories of the last couple of years where I didn’t quite — certainly last year even the few times I was in contention didn’t win,” he said.
“So that was kind of fresh on my mind.”
But then that was two years ago with Scott dealing with the biggest issue in his game and that was sorting out the shortest club in his bag.
And Scott says he’s so confident with the putter than at any other prior occasion in his glittering career.
“I think it’s fair to say as confident as ever with my putting,” he said.
“I feel really, really good over it. I’ve made a lot of putts and I’ve made a couple crucial putts which is nice, obviously to kind of have it tested with a 6 or so footer on the last one at Doral the other week for the win. That brings a lot of confidence. I’d put it up there as confident as any period in my career.”
