Great Scott: Aussie winds back the clock in epic round
David Fleming |
A stunning third round at the Baycurrent Classic has given Adam Scott the ideal platform to secure his first win on the PGA Tour since February, 2020.
Scott is aged 46, having shot to superstardom when he became Australia’s first Masters winner in 2013.
But the veteran has made a mockery of his age at recent events on the golfing circuit, culminating in Saturday’s eye-catching effort at the Yokohama Country Club.
After opening with rounds of 69 and 67, Scott fired a six-under 65 to sit at 12 under heading into the final day of what could be a landmark triumph.
Scott rocketed into contention and is now one of five golfers trailing American leaders Michael Brennan, Zach Bauchou and Jacob Bridgeman by one stroke.
He has recorded 14 wins on the PGA Tour – and boasts more than 30 tournament victories worldwide – but is yet to hoist a trophy in Japan.
“You got to be pleased with that, and something like that tomorrow might be enough,” Scott said of his round.
“It’s not a bad spot to be a few back. Hopefully we’ll be in for a great day.”
Scott has produced some sublime form since finishing tied for ninth at this year’s British Open, playing with aplomb as the Internationals recently threatened to capture the Presidents Cup.
The Australian also notably shared second spot with Rory McIlroy at the 2026 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, England, in September.
The PGA Tour’s lone stop in Asia features its strongest field of the FedEx Cup Fall series, with 13 of the 24 players who competed in the Presidents Cup two weeks ago in Chicago.
The main highlights of Scott’s big day day out in Japan were eagles on the par-5 sixth hole and a stunning chip-in at the par-4 ninth.
He also had birdies on the first, fifth and 13th, with his lone bogey of the round coming at the par-3 seventh.
Scott is chasing his first PGA Tour win since the 2020 Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles.
Despite a six-year drought, he has been a model of consistency in many senses.
This year the stalwart played his 100th consecutive major, second behind only American legend Jack Nicklaus (146).
While Scott had a Saturday to remember, compatriot Min Woo Lee tumbled 10 spots down the Baycurrent Classic leaderboard to be tied 17th.
After opening with four-under 67s, Lee could only manage a one-over 72 in his third round.
Lee posted bogeys on the 11th and 12th holes, before registering his only birdie for the day at the 13th to be seven under for the tournament.
The Baycurrent Classic, formerly known as the Zozo Championship, is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and the Japan Golf Tour.
with AP
AAP