WHEN Adam Scott arrived at Pine Valley early yesterday morning, he had eight holes of his first round to play in the Johnnie Walker Classic and knew that he had to make an immediate impact. He was on three under par when play was abandoned because of high winds the day before and, because half the field had yet to tee off, his work for the day would be over as soon as he had finished the round.
What would have concerned him was that the likes of Retief Goosen, Thomas Björn and Colin Montgomerie would be playing the best part of two rounds in one day in the best of the weather with the course seemingly there for the taking. Scott’s response was nothing short of magnificent.
By the time the others were teeing off, the Australian had picked up six strokes in eight holes after opening with two birdies and finishing birdie, eagle, birdie, with a chip-in from 20 feet at the 9th, his last. He had come home in 30 for a course-record 63 and was able to set off for a trip to the Great Wall in a good frame of mind.
Scott, 24, has enjoyed a meteoric rise after turning pro in 2000 where he ended his first year as a rookie in 13th spot on the European Money List. Playing more regularly these days on the USPGA Tour, Scott has won four events, including the 2004 Players Championship, heralded by many as the fifth ‘major’ and recently won the Nissan Open in Los Angeles.
Several gave it a go at passing Scott’s nine under par, but the world No 10 will begin his second round today in a share of the lead with Goosen, Michael Campbell and Peter Hanson, all of whom completed 36 holes. Montgomerie finished on six under par after rounds of 68 and 70.
