ADAM SCOTT seems to have finally found some consistent form with his short putter, coming home with an eagle and seven birdies for a 9-under 63 to finish just one stroke behind the winner at the US PGA TOUR’S CIMB Classic in Malaysia.
Scott made the switch to the conventional-length putter at The Presidents Cup in Korea, beginning the event putting cross-handed, but switching to the claw grip in the later stages.
In his first tour appearance using the claw grip he shot rounds of 68-66-66-63 to almost pip the debut winner, 22 year old American Justin Thomas.
The late season form augurs well for his appearance in the WBC event in China this week and his return to Australia, where he will play in the Masters in Melbourne and The Australian Open in Sydney.
“I would like to have a win before the end of the season,” Scott said, after his final round at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
“So this is a step in the right direction.”
“[This] week is the World Golf Championship. I would love to get into contention there and try and win.”
Scott is looking to reassert his presence on the world golfing stage, dominated lately by “youngster” like Thomas.
“Even at 35, unfortunately, it’s like your time’s numbered a little bit,” Scott said.
“And that’s the way it’s going, the world’s moving fast now, so I’ve got to make the most of the next few years, absolutely.
“But, yeah, it’s motivating for sure. I want to get up there and play and show them that the old dog’s still got something.”
The World Golf Championships–HSBC Champions will be played this week at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai.
Current world No.1 Jason Day is sitting out the event but Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy will be in the mix.