Australia’s British Open leader Adam Scott can hardly believe the birthday present his parents gave him this week.
Scott, who has triggered hopes of a first Australian triumph at the Open since Greg Norman in 1993, turned 32 on Monday.
“It was quite an interesting gift that I was given this year by my family,” he said after scorching around the Royal Lytham and St Annes layout in the first round in a course record-equalling 64 shots.
“They gave me a golf bag. It was a very nice golf bag, though, I have to say.
“It’s a small little leather one, and I like that kind of thing. But I thought it was quite a funny present to give me a golf bag.
“I will use it when I’m at home, if I carry my clubs.”
Boasting $US26,587,796 ($A25.59 million) in career prize money and 18 wins worldwide, Scott has rarely had to carry golf clubs since his junior days when he caddied for pocket money for Australia’s five-times British Open champion Peter Thomson.
“He’s the first pro I ever caddied for, actually. When I was 10,” Scott recalled when asked if he was ever in touch with the great Thomson these days.
“I occasionally speak to Peter when we cross paths. I don’t know if he’s here this week. He often comes to the Open.
“I saw him last November in Australia. He’s had a lot of advice for me over the years. He always encourages me in his own way.”