Adam Scott’s narrow miss at Genesis Scottish Open
Adam Scott – in action today – image Getty Images
43 year old Adam Scott has fallen just short of his first win anywhere in more than four years but his runner-up finish in this past week’s Genesis Scottish Open provides just the boost he needs ahead of the final major of the year at Royal Troon next week.
Scott fell victim to a stunning eagle, par, birdie finish by last year’s runner-up and Scotland’s most recent golfing hero, Robert McIntyre, reversing what had happened to McIntyre himself twelve months ago when gazumped in a similar fashion by Rory McIlroy.
Scott began the final round three shots behind the 54 hole leader, Ludvig Aberg, and a bogey at the first suggested his pursuit of victory might be forlorn.
Scott would birdie holes 4, 5 and 6 but the biggest threat to victory came when he made a mess of the par 4 8th and took double bogey. Again he bounced back with three more birdies before at the 15th and another birdie at the 16th.
Scott was playing in the group ahead of McIntyre and Aberg and after missing a 15-foot birdie attempt at the last he headed for the clubhouse to await the outcome as at that point he was tied with McIntyre who had just eagled the 16th to draw level.
McIntyre holed a tricky par-saving 5-footer for par at the 17th and then after his approach to the final hole finished 15 feet from the hole he was able to convert for the winning birdie and an historic win in his own national open was confirmed.
McIntyre became the first Scot in 25 years following the 1999 victory by Colin Montgomerie at Loch Lomond.
Understandably, Scott was disappointed not to have won, but he was delighted with his week and the manner in which his game is coming together ahead of next week’s Open Championsip.
“There was a lot of good stuff for me this week, said Scott. “You know, it’s hard to complain about anything. I mean, really, it’s the first time I’ve been in contention this year. I like where my game is headed into the last week or so going into next week. Feel like I’m playing at a high level.
“It was an interesting day. Like sitting around all morning, I thought I was going to have to shoot like 8-under to have a chance and then it got quite tricky out there. I played mostly really good golf. I really like what happened with my game out there this week. I’m disappointed to not get a crack at the end. I had a chance with the putt on the last and went right and I read it straight.
“And you know, pleased for Bob. This is a big win. I played with him yesterday, and you can hear them singing over there. I think that’s awesome for him and hopefully I can take some good form into next week.
“I feel good, I really do. It’s funny, it doesn’t get any easier but I’m working at everything all the time, and trying not to get frustrated, and use that experience. It feels good to play in contention and hopefully I get another crack at it at The Open now.
“I feel good, I really do. It’s funny, it doesn’t get any easier but I’m working at everything all the time, and trying not to get frustrated, and use that experience. It feels good to play in contention and hopefully I get another crack at it at The Open now.”
But the focus was on McIntyre the thousands of local fans cheering him on. After last year’s disappointment, their support was even greater and he wasn’t about to let them down.
McIntyre’s humble upbringing no doubt plays a role in the massive following he is building.
“Yeah, I’m from a working-class background, said the champion. “I’ve got two older sisters my parents foster. We’ve got a foster boy just now that’s been with us for six, seven years.
“I was given a great opportunity by my whole family. We used to have a horse for my sisters, and couldn’t afford to do both, and my sisters gave up the horse and gave me a chance to go and travel some within Britain.
“And I was out grafting, practicing when I was young, and yeah, it was never given. I’m from the West Coast. It’s been difficult, obviously, weather-wise, but your face doesn’t fit exactly because you’re not a central built guy, and I just have to graft at it. The biggest thing for me was never give up.
“A lot of people might say, he doesn’t quite have this, he doesn’t quite have that, but I’ve got fight and that’s all I need.
“It’s unbelievable. My reaction when the ball dropped on 18 said it all. I almost lost my voice now. It’s the one I wanted and it’s the one I got. It’s just, I’ve watched it as a kid growing up, and it meant a lot. It was really the only one that I could go and watch.
“Yeah, it’s just, I can’t believe it’s happened. Just going to go celebrate tonight.”
McIntyre has shown a desire in the past to enjoy and celebrate his victories and this win appears to be no exception.
“It’s incredible. I mean, next week is a new week but I tell you, I’m going to celebrate this with my family, friends, and everyone here. I’m going to celebrate this one hard. We’ll pitch up to The Open when we pitch up to The Open.”
