World No. 1 Adam Scott is very much in the hunt for his second ever major title after shooting 4-under par in the first round of the British Open put him two shots off leader, Rory McIlroy.
After some close calls in recent years, Scott looks poised to finally take home the Claret Jug in this year’s tournament, but he’ll need to fend off some formidable foes to do so.
Check out our preview of the favorites for succeeding rounds here, and read on for more on the Aussie’s chances.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Three Keys to Adam Scott’s Performance at the 2014 British Open Golf Championship
A Major Player
Few golfers in the world can top Adam Scott’s run in major tournaments over the last three years. He’s finished in the top 10 in eight out of a possible 11 majors, with five top five finishes. The Aussie especially loves the British Open, where he’s been in the top three two years running.
[sc:Golf240banner ]The World No. 1 hardly could’ve entered this year’s tournament in any better form, with victory in the Crowne Plaza Invitational, a fourth-place finish in The Memorial and a ninth-place finish in the U.S. Open in his three tournaments prior.
If momentum is well and truly a thing in sports, then Scott will have a ton of it heading into the latter rounds. Whether it’s enough to take him to the top on Sunday remains to be seen.
The oddsmakers seem to think now’s the Aussie’s time. Scott is priced at +450 to win this year’s tournament, just behind Rory McIlroy as the overall favorite.
Long Drives
Scott has been showing off his very impressive driving skills at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club. His driving distance of 323 yards in Round 1 could only be rivaled by the Rory McIlroy’s 340-yard drives.
The Aussie used that prodigious power to good effect by sinking an eagle at the fifth hole. He finished the four par-5s in the course with a score of 3-under par. If he continues producing similar success with the longer holes, he’ll be in good shape heading toward the weekend rounds.
A Strong Field
If Scott finally does get over the hump and win this year’s Open Championship, he’ll need to outgun some of the best golfers in the world who are also very much in contention. He famously failed to do so in last year’s edition, as he faltered with one hole remaining to hand Phil Mickelson the title.
This year’s main competition starts with McIlroy, who’s leading the way at 6-under par. Multiple-time top-five Open finisher Jim Furyk accompanies Scott at 4-under, alongside Sergio Garcia, who is still searching for his first ever major title. And let’s not forget a certain Tiger lurking at 3-under and getting ready to pounce on his 15th major championship.
Scott has shown his consistency in recent majors, but he hasn’t yet shown the crucial the killer instinct to claim the titles. With some strong competition for this year’s trophy, the World No. 1 will have to prove himself worthy of the ranking to come out on top.
Writer’s Prediction
Despite another strong showing, Scott once again falls painfully short in his quest to claim the Open Championship as Rory McIlroy (+400) takes this year’s title. Create a betting account now and have your say on who comes away with the Claret Jug.
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