Adam Scott has detailed his desperation to become a multiple major winner and explained the balancing act behind it ahead of a 24th Masters start.
The former world number one turns 45 in July and admits time is running out to add to his 2013 Masters triumph.
He has not won on the PGA Tour in five years. However, he claimed two runner-up and five top-10 finishes last year to remain in the conversation.
Teeing up for a 94th consecutive majors start, Scott almost always figures at a tournament he has made the cut at for the past 15 years.
“The dream of chasing Jack Nicklaus’s record (18 majors) is long gone, but I did have the belief that I can become a multiple-major champion,” Scott said as rain and thunderstorms hit Augusta National Golf Course on Monday, local time.
“I don’t want to leave it to just showing up and having a lucky week — I know there is a lot that has to go into it.
“I’d love to win another Australian Open [too] — it’s a special one — and the Open Championship. I mean, I felt like I was right there [in 2012], and I’d like to get both hands on that claret jug.
“Augusta is such a challenge. It tests every part of your game, and then ultimately, at a major, it’s going to come down to the heart and the head to get it done.”
Ahead of Thursday’s first round at Augusta, family man Scott explained it had become impossible to commit to the Tour like he once did, but the big events still commanded his full focus.
“I’m [still] very motivated. It comes and goes though,” he said.
Installed as the Tour’s player advisory council chairman in 2023, Scott has also been tasked with managing the attempted merge with LIV Golf’s rebel league.
“I don’t think I can have the 12-month focus that I used to. There’s life as well, and I have a family and growing kids,” he said.
“I feel a strong sense to not miss their entire upbringing, and it’s more demanding to stay at the top level out here.
It has been 12 years since Adam Scott won his one and only major at Augusta, winning a play-off to clinch the Masters. (Getty Images: Sports Illustrated/Simon Bruty)
“The balance of staying at the top is tough, but when you start getting to big events, the Players Championship and now the Masters, that’s when you really switch on — and I think I can do it in shorter periods, but maybe not stretch out all year.”
Working through his bucket list, the 11-time Presidents Cup representative would also love to tick off winning the teams event.
The Australian has the most career points by an international and has been touted as a future captain ahead of Melbourne’s Kingston Heath hosting in 2028.
But next year’s event at Medinah Country Club in the US is as far as he is looking.
“Actually, if we go into tournaments I’d like to win, that might be right up there, level with another major for me,” Scott said.
“I feel like I’ve given a lot to the International team and it’s been challenging for us, to say the least, over the years.
“I’d love to win as a player and then worry about the captaincy later.”
AAP
