GOLF: TOUR NEWS:AUSTRALIAN ADAM Scott will bid to put the acute disappointment of his near miss at last week's Masters in Augusta behind him when he begins the defence of his Texas Open title in San Antonio today.
But Scott, who briefly led on the final day before settling for tied second place behind winner Charl Schwartzel, admits it has been a struggle to get prepared for the tournament he won by one stroke last year.
Scott said: “I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting those good feelings happening again from last year and also carrying on the good feelings I had going on on the golf course last week.
“I’ve been resting for a couple of days. It’s been a big last few weeks, certainly through the Masters, so I’ve been trying to rest up and keep the energy levels as high as I possible can for this week.
“It’s certainly a big let-down mentally or emotionally after any Major, whether you’re in the mix or not. It certainly does take a lot out of you, not just in the tournament but in the practice weeks.”
Scott will be paired with fellow Australian Geoff Ogilvy and Argentina’s Angel Cabrera – both of whom also had good Masters tournaments – for the first two rounds in Texas.
And he goes in in good form after posting two five-under-par 67s in the last two rounds in Georgia to move into contention before being eclipsed by Schwartzel and having to share second with Jason Day.
“I’ve hopefully got something to build on with a good showing at Augusta,” added Scott.
Graeme McDowell will be returning to the scene of his Ryder Cup triumph next month not only to defend the Wales Open title, but also to help launch a new series of PowerPlay golf events. And there with the US Open champion at Celtic Manor on May 30th will be US Women’s Open champion Paula Creamer, former British Open champions John Daly and Gary Player and last year’s World Match Play finalists Ian Poulter and Paul Casey.
PowerPlay golf is where two flags are on every green and there are extra points to be won for taking on the harder one.The winner of the nine-hole tournament will receive €112,000 from a €394,150 prize fund and PowerPlay Golf will also donate a further 20 per cent of each player’s prize money to the charity of their choice. Asia on November 7th and the US on November 25th are also on the series schedule.
Texas Open
Course:TPC San Antonio.
Length:7,522 yards. Par: 72.
Prizemoney:€4.2 million. €772,469 for the winner.
Field:140.
Layout:Some holes are tight off the tee but there is more room on others. Difficult to hold approach shots on the undulating greens.
Last year:Adam Scott had a bogey on the last but still beat Fredrik Jacob by one shot.
On TV:Sky Sports 3.
Weather:Sunny with high temperatures most days although a slight cool breeze will help the players.
