The sight of Adam Scott birdieing the 72nd hole at the 2013 Masters on his way to winning his maiden green jacket win will certainly be the fans’ abiding memory of this much-admired Australian golfer when he eventually retires. Scott eventually beat Argentina’s Angel Cabrera during the second play-off hole of the 2013 Masters. But it was his extraordinary putt on the 18th that helped him get into a playoff with Cabrera.
After Scott rolled in the 20-footer to force the play-off, he instinctively let out a roar of ‘come on Aussie’. It was a moment that would have brought a tear to the eyes of many of his compatriots back home and one that the 41-year-old will hope he can have again. Although, at 60/1 in the latest golf odds to win the 2022 Masters, there’s every chance that Scott’s moment in the Georgia sun has come and gone.
At least, the golf tips for the 86th edition of the Masters do not predict that Scott will be able to relive that triumphant experience again with Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth forecast to battle it out for the green jacket. But the fact remains that no one can ever take that accomplishment away from Scott, it is his to cherish and look back on.
‘Come on Aussie.’
Adam Scott’s finest moment came at the #TheMasters in 2013.pic.twitter.com/7wBssji8W8
— GOLFTV (@GOLFTV) November 11, 2020
Of course, he won’t be alone when looking back on it. The whole continent of Australia also takes great satisfaction from his achievement given that it was an occasion that typified the traits that make sports stars from Down Under so respected. You could see the grit, courage, and respect for the competition in Scott’s iconic celebration that makes the hairs on your neck stand up.
Regrettably, however, it is this awe-inspiring picture that springs to mind when the Aussie was recently talking about the newly proposed Super Golf League. Speaking at the Genesis Invitational press conference, Scott said in response to whether he was considering joining the breakaway league: “Depending what your goals are in golf, I think the schedule is very appealing. From that side of things, I would consider doing that, for sure. From a lifestyle side of things, yes.”
In some ways perhaps we should praise Scott for his transparency when asked about his future participation in this controversial league. But then again, given that it is designed to minimize serious competition and undermine the majors, you can’t help but feel saddened by the Australian’s response.
Adam Scott believes the Saudi Golf League schedule is ‘very appealing’ ⛳ pic.twitter.com/L8CkMwHQXy
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) February 17, 2022
Where has that fighting spirit gone from nine years ago when his heart was on his sleeve during the 72nd hole at Augusta National before winning the Masters? Where has the competitor gone who worked night and day until his blistered hands couldn’t hold a golf club anymore in order to reach his goal of winning a major? And most importantly, why is Scott betraying those core Aussie values that have made him the role model that he is today for slightly more money?
Regardless of what happens with the Super Golf League, Adam Scott may live to regret endorsing a tournament that waters down the spirit of competition, the very thing that has driven him onto greatness.
