Scott back to prove match play acumen

After seven years of torture at Dove Mountain Adam Scott finally quit the World Golf Championships Match Play but the former world No.1 has rejoined the fold at Harding Park determined to prove his worth in the format.

While seen as one of the world’s elite stroke play golfers, the 2013 Masters champion’s reputation as a match play golfer has taken a significant hit thanks to his recent record in the WGC event.

Scott decided against even turning up at the 2014 event in Tucson after failing to get past the second round in his last seven appearances, five times being unceremoniously dumped in the opening round.

But now, with the tournament at a new venue and with a new round robin format ensuring he’s guaranteed at least three rounds, Scott says he is ready to be a formidable force.

“I absolutely think it will turn around,” Scott said of his dismal recent record.

“I disliked Dove Mountain and that was my reason for not going.

“How many times do you just beat your head against a wall?

“I just didn’t enjoy playing there and my record spoke for itself. I am very happy with the change.”

Overall Scott has a 14-12 record in the event, with his earlier forays at La Costa Resort near San Diego between 2002-2006 yielding a much better 12-5 record, finishing third in 2003.

And while he went 1-4 in his role as a captain’s pick at Harding Park in the 2009 Presidents Cup Scott believes his game is finally starting to hit its straps after a slow start to 2015.

It is now the time of the year for me to get going, the world No.9 said.

I have played four events with little to no success really, and while I have been experimenting with my equipment I am now just trying to get it all in place.

This week would be a good time for me to really get going, have a good run and start a big push.

Scott was relatively lucky with the blind draw on Monday, getting slated against the tournament’s lowest seed (64) in Francesco Molinari, the 36th seed Paul Casey and the 25th seed Chris Kirk.

Only Casey is in any sort of recent form with four top-ten finishes this year.

“I am very happy with the draw but it is still just 18 holes and a bit of a shootout and these are all the best players in the world,” Scott said.

“I feel my game is in good shape and now I just have to get out and play well on the day.”

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