OAKMONT, Pa. – As Adam Scott approaches his 45th birthday, few expected him to have a standout performance at the U.S. Open, especially given the recent challenges in his game. His iron play had faltered, his putting was inconsistent, and his motivation seemed to wane. However, Scott remained optimistic, stating, “There’s probably not been many signs to anyone else but me that my game is looking better, but I definitely feel more confident than I have been this year.”
This confidence has transformed into a remarkable story at the Open. Scott’s impressive third-round 67 included only one bogey, propelling him into a tie for second place, just one shot behind the leader Sam Burns. He finds himself poised to break records with the longest gap (12 years) between a player’s first and second major titles.
Holding a singular major title from the 2013 Masters, Scott’s candidacy for the Hall of Fame encircles this week. He has amassed 32 global victories, including 14 on the PGA Tour, and held the title of world No. 1 for 11 weeks. As Scott noted, while his accomplishments are significant, there remains a sense of incompleteness. “If I were to come away with it tomorrow, it would be a hell of a round of golf and an exclamation point on my career,” he expressed.
Scott hasn’t found himself in the final group of a major since the 2018 PGA Championship and hasn’t won since early 2020. However, at the grueling Oakmont course, he has successfully utilized what he calls “old-man golf,” characterized by methodical play and precision. Heading into the final round, he is ranked third in strokes gained: tee to green, navigating the challenging rough while maintaining accuracy in his approach shots. His improvement on the greens, crucially timed after a rain-soaked Saturday, reflects his adaptability on one of golf’s most demanding courses.
With a wealth of experience—being the only player in the top 10 with both a major championship and multiple Tour victories—Scott is ready to tackle the final round. Although he respects the current younger, stronger competition, he remains committed to leveraging his experience and consistency, stating, “This is really where my mind goes at the start of every year.”
As he heads into an unexpected final round at the U.S. Open, Scott’s journey serves as a testament to perseverance and determination, showcasing that age does not diminish the quest for greatness in competitive sports.