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PGA Memorial key to majors success: Scott

3 minute read

Adam Scott says a victory at the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament, where he has contended previously, will inspire confidence for the US and British Opens.

ADAM SCOTT of Australia walks the ninth hole during the second round of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.
ADAM SCOTT of Australia walks the ninth hole during the second round of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Picture: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

After several close calls at the Memorial Tournament, Adam Scott believes a victory at the Jack Nicklaus-hosted event in Ohio could propel him to major success with US and British Opens looming.

Scott's record at the US PGA Tour's prestigious $US9.1 million ($A13.1 million) Memorial includes three strong chances to win - top-five results in 2006, 2007 and 2014.

His 10-under-par 62 in 2007 is the equal-best round of Scott's PGA Tour career.

But the 38-year-old is determined to win the Memorial before his career is over and receive the customary handshake from 18-time major winner Nicklaus on the 18th green on Sunday

"To shake Nicklaus' hand and have that on the resume is right up there in my goals outside the majors," Scott told AAP on Wednesday.

Having been in contention to win each of the past four major championships, Scott also says winning at Ohio's famed Muirfield Village Golf Club could ignite a spark he needs to capture an elusive second major title.

The 2013 Masters winner is looking at June's US Open at Pebble Beach and July's British Open at Royal Portrush as majors he can win.

"If I was to win this week, the confidence I would take into the last two majors of the year would be huge," said Scott, who tied for eighth at the PGA Championship.

"Maybe a win here would be what I need to break through in a major again."

The Nicklaus-designed Muirfield Village is tailor-made for Scott's prolific ball-striking.

In his Wednesday pro am, former world No.1 Scott had a whopping 11 birdies and one bogey.

He dismissed the round as "just practice", knowing the real pressure starts in Thursday's opening round.

"I really like the course; it suits me," Scott said.

"I've played lots of great rounds, but never four in a row.

"It's a really tough course and you always have one poor round but winners here manage that and salvage a respectable score."

"But I feel my game is in a really good spot right now.

"It's a big week that could do a lot of good things for my career."

Scott is grouped with fellow Australian Jason Day and Japanese ace Hideki Matsuyama for the opening rounds.

Joining Day and Scott in the field are countrymen Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith, who are also paired together, as well as Aaron Baddeley and Matt Jones.

The $US9.1 million Memorial is an invitational event with an elite field of 120 players which affords the winner a $US1.64 million prize and a three-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

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