Adam Scott has had a strong begin to his 2024 season.
The Brisbane, Australia native has two top-10 finishes in Dubai and Phoenix, and he tied for twentieth on the AT&T Pebble Seashore Professional-Am.
Now, Scott returns to Riviera Nation Membership—the place he has gained twice and has recorded seven high 10s throughout his illustrious profession.
“It’s all the time a spotlight of my 12 months enjoying right here. I like this observe, and I like this occasion,” Scott mentioned Tuesday forward of the Genesis Invitational.
“It’s my favourite occasion I play on tour, so I’m so grateful to be a sponsor’s invite this week and get the prospect to have one other go round Riviera.”
Scott believes Riviera has extra to supply than its iconic George C. Thomas-designed course.
He feels at dwelling there, as Southern California and Australia share quite a few similarities.
“The eucalyptus bushes scent like they do in Australia; the grass is comparable, and the climate could be related as properly. There’s good climate right here,” Scott mentioned.
“I simply have this sure stage of consolation. There’s extra than simply purely a fantastic golf course for me.”
The Kikuyu grass that strains Riviera’s fairways offers loads of gamers bother. This thick, crabby grass typically seizes management of a participant’s membership face, turning it over and thus forcing errant pictures.
And but, Kikuyu is usually present in Australia, so Scott has loads of expertise with such a turf. Maybe this helps clarify why Scott has had a lot success at Riviera.
However he has lengthy been an outstanding ball striker, a requirement for any participant to thrive on this course. Moreover, strong ball placing requires good positioning off the tee.
Scott does this routinely at Riviera.
When he gained in 2020, the Aussie ranked third in strokes gained approaching the inexperienced. Two years in the past, when he tied for fourth, Scott ranked fourth on this regard.
4 of the final 5 winners at Riviera have completed among the many high 6 in strokes gained approaching the inexperienced. It’s the key to success.
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This 12 months, Scott ranks fifth on the PGA Tour in strokes gained approaching the inexperienced. He additionally ranks third in proximity to the outlet, that means he’s discovering placing surfaces and sticking it near the flagstick. That recipe interprets to success on any course, not to mention at Riviera.
“I usually like how my recreation is feeling,” Scott mentioned when requested to debate the state of his recreation.
“Hopefully, an excellent week this week, and I can maintain the nice momentum with my golf recreation going.”
Scott wouldn’t have been capable of maintain momentum had he not acquired a sponsor’s exemption this week.
As a result of Scott didn’t qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs in 2023, he didn’t initially make it into this restricted subject—the third Signature Occasion of the season. Solely 70 gamers comprise this week’s Genesis Invitational, 50 of which certified by making final 12 months’s BMW Championship.
“I can’t keep in mind precisely when my final sponsor’s invite was. I in all probability have been invited to a event in Asia or one thing like that all through the years, however on the PGA Tour, it’s been some time, that’s for positive,” Scott mentioned.
“I really feel fortunate that I’ve bought one in all them. If I didn’t, then, I didn’t qualify. In order that’s the way it goes. I don’t count on to be invited to each event I ask for both, however I’m very pleased to be right here. As I mentioned, that is an occasion I stay up for very a lot. It’s my favourite observe of the 12 months, and hopefully, I take advantage of it.”
Contemplating his consolation and expertise at Riviera, coupled along with his present type, Scott contending this weekend ought to shock nobody.
Maybe we discover the Aussie within the winner’s circle late Sunday afternoon.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By. Make sure you try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You may comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as properly.
