Adam Scott’s Major Streak Hits Rare U.S. Open Air

Adam Scott arrives at the U.S. Open carrying one of golf’s most absurdly durable streaks, and somehow, he’s treating it like another week at the office.

The Australian is set to make his 100th consecutive major championship start at Shinnecock Hills, a run that began at the 2001 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes when Scott was just 21 years old.

READ MORE: Brooks Koepka Updates Hand Injury Ahead of U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills

Since then, he’s become a Masters champion, reached World No. 1, played in 11 Presidents Cups, posted 20 major top-10 finishes and remained relevant long enough to still sit inside the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking as he nears his 46th birthday.

That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not just talent. It’s stubbornness, discipline, health, adaptability and a refusal to disappear.

“I've thought about it over the last couple of weeks, obviously this week getting closer,” Scott said. “I found it difficult at first reflecting on something while I'm still playing. I think I've never really been one to dwell on milestones. I think it's something I'll probably do at the end of my career.

“However, it's resonated a little bit more with me the last few days, and from people close to me, to my sponsors and partners, I'm so appreciative of everyone recognising this. It's a strange one because it's not something you really set out to do or aim for.

“But in all honesty, since Pinehurst a couple of years ago, it kind of was on my radar. Earlier this year, as I wasn't automatically qualified for this event, it became a bit of a weight on my shoulders making sure I got here.

“A certain level of focus has been required over the 25 years to maintain, I'll call it golf at this elite level, Major Championship level. It has taken a lot of focus to do that.

“I think there are lots of little things you could break down after that, but I'm quite proud that I've managed to keep my focus this long and keep pushing through. Obviously not all years and all weeks out here are easy and you're playing full of confidence. I managed to keep it all together for a long time.

“I love playing golf at this level and it's really all I know how to do. So I'm going to keep trying to do my best for as long as I possibly can.

“I had a photograph with Jack Nicklaus a couple of weeks ago at his Memorial Tournament, and he's the other guy who made it to a hundred in a row. He, in fact, made it way past that, and I can't even think about playing another 11 or 12 years straight of these, but I'm really excited for this week.”

That Nicklaus connection is the heavyweight part of the story. Scott isn’t just joining a nice list.

He’s stepping into territory occupied by one of the sport’s ultimate measuring sticks.

Now comes the harder part: making the week matter beyond the milestone.

Scott played Shinnecock Hills in both 2004 and 2018, missing the cut in each appearance.

But he’s not dragging that baggage into this U.S. Open. He says the course feels different this time, and his preparation has been sharper.

“I've played four practice rounds and I came with a blank slate,” Scott said. “It's funny how when you play poorly at an event, you can forget about what went on, and I really don't remember much of 2018 from a playing perspective.

“Came here excited on Thursday and really felt like I had a fresh look at the golf course and a fresh take and felt comfortable straight away. I think the green complexes aren't dissimilar to playing into Royal Melbourne style greens. At least that's what I'm telling myself, and that's a comfortable place for me.

“I'm looking at it with a fresh set of eyes this week and feel like I'm much more prepared at this point than I was at the last two here.

“I've put my three iron in the bag this week. Sometimes I have a nine wood in the bag. I'm not afraid to admit I use a nine wood, but I don't think it's going to be as effective this week certainly with the wind.

“I think there's a few iron shots off tees and just controlling that flight in the wind a little bit more with the three iron, I think, will be helpful.

“The firmer running courses generally take the length advantage out of it because the shorter hitter will get some length, and the longer hitters kind of have to play back.

“Once the ball is moving on the ground, having great control of the golf ball and strategising around a golf course becomes a big part of that.

“I think guys like Tiger obviously, but Padraig as well, just are so experienced and understand how to work their way around a golf course. And, of course, they're Major champions, multiple Major champions, and they know how to do it under pressure, as well.

“They're the kind of things, although I'm not a multiple Major champion, but at this point, when it comes down to being in contention, hopefully the strategy and experience I can use to my advantage.”

READ MORE: Meijer LPGA Classic Field Loaded With Star Power

That’s the real edge for Scott this week. Shinnecock can punish impatience, ego and sloppy strategy. It rewards players who can flight the ball, accept awkward bounces and think their way around a championship course.

Scott has done plenty in the game already. But if he finds himself in the mix on Sunday, this milestone week could become something much louder than a ceremonial lap.

Join Our Roundtable Community For Free!

Share your takes, connect with our Roundtable writers, and talk sports with fellow fans. Download the free Roundtable App today and stay closer to the conversation.