Adam Scott’s 100 consecutive majors a stunning milestone
Adam Scott – acknowledging the crowd after his 2013 Masters victory, his 47th consecutive major start – image Masters Tournament
At Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, on Thursday, Australia’s Adam Scott will tee it up in his 101st major championship, but his 100th in succession, becoming just the second person in the history of the game, after Jack Nicklaus, to reach that milestone, Nicklaus’ amazing run of 146 stretching from the 1962 Masters Tournament through to the 1998 US Open.
The number of US Opens Scott has played in the past (24) has him as the player with the most starts in the event in this week’s field. Justin Rose, with 21, is the only other player competing this week with more than 20 appearances.
Whichever way you look at it, the achievement of maintaining a game in good enough shape to gain entry to that many major championships is phenomenal.
In his pre-tournament media conference today, Scott was asked his thoughts on the approaching milestone.
“Yeah, it’s an interesting one, as I’ve thought about it over the last couple of weeks, obviously this week getting closer. I found it difficult at first to reflect on something while I’m still playing. I think I’ve never really been one to dwell on milestones. I think it’s something I’ll probably do at the end of my career.
“However, it’s resonated a little bit more with me the last few days, and from people close to me, to my sponsors and partners, I’m so appreciative of everyone recognizing this. It’s a strange one because it’s not something you really set out to do or aim for.
“But in all honesty, since Pinehurst a couple of years ago, it was kind of on my radar. Earlier this year, as I wasn’t automatically qualified for this event, it became a bit of a weight on my shoulders, making sure I got here.
“It’s been fun. I had a photograph with Jack Nicklaus a couple of weeks ago at his Memorial Tournament, and he’s the other guy who made it to a hundred in a row. He, in fact, made it way past that, and I can’t even think about playing another 11 or 12 years straight of these, but I’m really excited for this week.”
Scott was further asked as to the key to such longevity.
“I would say, probably overall, a certain level of focus has been required over the 25 years to maintain, I’ll call it golf at this elite level, major championship level. It has taken a lot of focus to do that.
“I think there are lots of little things you could break down after that, but I’m quite proud that I’ve managed to keep my focus this long and keep pushing through. Obviously, not all years and all weeks out here are easy, and you’re playing full of confidence.”
Scott’s stretch might have been halted at 93 when he was forced to attend final qualifying in 2024 and finished as the first alternate at his venue. Soon after, however, Grayson Murray, who took his own life when he was the 61st-ranked golfer in the world, opened the door for Scott, who was then 61st in the world, to take his place in the field as a result of the leading 60-ranked world golfers earning the right to play.
Of the 100 he has played already (including the 2001 Open Championship, which is not included in the run of consecutive events), Scott has made the cut on 74 occasions and been inside the top three on six occasions, his win at the 2013 Masters the standout along with his near miss when runner-up to Ernie Els at Royal Lytham and St Annes in 2012.
Adam Scott is a testament to longevity and, even at the age of still just 45, is considered by many to be one of the great statesmen of the game, his measured but well-thought-through opinions on the game and its administration valued by players, administrators, and golf fans worldwide.
Scott trails only Karrie Webb in terms of the number of majors played by Australians. Webb played 100 in her 23 years at that level, while Greg Norman competed in 90.
Not only has Scott become a highly regarded spokesperson for the game, but his golf has withstood the passage of time, continuing to compete at close to the highest level despite the rapid changes in technology and fitness, and as a father of three, he has displayed a great ability to compartmentalise his life in a manner that allows him to continue his remarkable run at such a level.
At Shinnecock Hills this week, Scott will play his 25th US Open, two of those played at this venue. In both 2004 and 2018, Scott missed the cut at this venue. In fact, in four competitive rounds at Shinnecock Hills, Scott has not recorded a round better than 75, so his performance this week will be of much interest.
“I love Shinnecock,” added Scott. “I’ve played here a fair amount socially over the years. This is my third U.S. Open here. I haven’t played well in either U.S. Open, which is really disappointing to me, but hoping to change that this week.
“I still love the golf course. I think it’s as good as any test we have at the U.S. Open.
“I came up straight here from Ohio and played from last Thursday. I’ve played four practice rounds, and I came with a blank slate. It’s funny how when you play poorly at an event, you can forget about what went on, and I really don’t remember much of ’18 from a playing perspective.
“Came here excited on Thursday and really felt like I had a fresh look at the golf course and a fresh take and felt comfortable straight away. I think the green complexes aren’t dissimilar to playing into Royal Melbourne style greens. At least that’s what I’m telling myself, and that’s a comfortable place for me.
“I’m looking at it with a fresh set of eyes this week and feel like I’m much more prepared at this point than I was at the last two here.”
Deservedly, there will be a lot of attention on Scott’s milestone this week, and it is hoped that he can at least make it to the weekend so that his remarkable achievement gets the full recognition it deserves, and for him to continue his remarkable run as one of the game’s most impressive performers, irrespective of age.
