Adam Scott feels he’s given himself a competitive edge at the 150th Open Championship after picking the brains of a local caddie during a reconnaissance mission to St Andrews’ Old Course last week.
Scott arrived at the Home of Golf more than a week before golf’s oldest Major begins, to re-familiarise himself with the Scottish links through popular local caddie, Steve Jones.
Jones has been a local looper at the Old Course for more than 20 years and was even given the gig to caddie at the 2005 Open for Italy’s Edoardo Molinari and for American James Hahn at the 2015 edition.
Australian star Scott met Jones the week before the 2010 Open at St Andrews and now makes a habit of acquiring his services for a full day every time the 2013 Masters winner returns to the Home of Golf. When Scott does that, his regular caddie, South Africa’s Greg “Helpful” Hearmon, is either not at the Open venue yet or watches on and listens if he is in town already.
Last week, upon hearing Jones wasn’t able to secure a bag for a competitor in the 150th Open, Scott brought him out to caddie in a once-off practice round Scott played with young South African amateur Aldrich Potgieter, the British Amateur champion, just so Jones would feel involved in the festivities.
“I’ve known Steve for about 12 years; he has caddied for my parents here, socially, and I met him at the Open 12 years ago,” Scott told Australian Golf Digest at St Andrews on Monday. “Each time I’ve come back, it’s always felt good to have a local guy and a familiar face.
“St Andrews is a difficult course to remember the targets off the tee and where the bunkers are, so you really need to do do your homework each time you come back. Steve knows the course so well, so rather than burying your head in a yardage book to study the course, it’s better have Steve point you down the fairway and away from the bunkers.
“He’s also a real gentleman and pleasant to be around.”
Scott is chasing an elusive second Major victory to go with his green jacket win at Augusta National in 2013. The Open is the Major Scott wants the most and it’s where he’s had his best chances. Scott finished second, third, fifth and 10th in four consecutive Opens between 2012 and 2015, but hasn’t had a top 10 result in the event since.
Coming off a solid tie for 14th at the US Open last month, Scott feels ready to pounce.
“I went into the US Open with a good game plan and it kept everything under control and gave me clarity,” world No.46 Scott said at St Andrews. “I’ve figured out the way I want to play St Andrews in every wind direction and feel I’ve tuned into the condition of links golf. My game is really good and I’m calm and confident heading into this one.”
Scott is among an 11-strong Australian contingent for the 150th Open. World No.6 Cam Smith headlines the Australians, followed by Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert, Min Woo Lee, Anthony Quayle, Jason Scrivener, Dimi Papadatos, Jed Morgan, Brad Kennedy and Matt Griffin.
