Adam Scott’s two shot victory at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles in his very first event of 2020 has seen the 39-year-old Australian return to the world top 10 for the first time since May of 2017, the victory today his first on the PGA Tour in nearly four years.
Scott took a share of the 54 hole lead into the final day and although he began well with two early birdies, a bogey at the 4th followed by a double at the 5th threatened to ruin his chances of a return to the winner’s circle.
Scott had, of course, won the Australian PGA Championship at RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast two months ago but although he has gone close on occasions a win at this level has eluded him in recent times.
The significant amount of world ranking points he earns because of the strength of the field this week will see move to 7th in the world ranking.
Scott fought off challenges from Matt Kuchar, Sung Kang and Scott Brown on a day where the famed Riviera Country Club bared her teeth as the golf course firmed up and the notorious California greens played havoc late in the day.
A bogey from the middle of the fairway on the 15th, however, threatened Scott’s lead but he gave himself one final cushion when he pitched to 10 feet at the par 5 17th and converted for birdie to give himself a two shot advantage playing the last.
The chasers were unable to put any further pressure on the leader and Scott was able to safely par the last to win by two.
It was Scott’s 14th PGA Tour title and takes his earnings to US$56.5 million on the PGA Tour. He is the 7th highest earner of all time on the PGA Tour.
Brown, Kuchar and Kang tied for 2nd two shots from Scott, while Hideki Matsuyama, Rory McIlroy, Max Homa, Bryson De Chambeau and Joel Dahmen were in a group in 5th place another shot back.
Marc Leishman was the only other Australian to make the cut when he finished in 43rd place.
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