Adam Scott delivered an outstanding performance on Friday at the Genesis Invitational, shooting an impressive 63 at Riviera Country Club. Though his round was exceptional, Scott admitted he left the course feeling somewhat dissatisfied despite putting himself firmly in contention. At 45 years old and nearing 50, Scott continues to believe he has what it takes to win again on the PGA Tour.
Scott’s Consistent Drive and Ball Speed Keep Him Competitive
Throughout the week at Riviera, Scott has shown remarkable physical capability, recording ball speeds in the high 180 mph range, a notable increase from previous years. This added power has helped him maintain competitiveness despite his advancing age. Scott’s performance on Friday was a clear example of his skill and fitness, reminding many that he remains a serious contender on the PGA Tour.
Despite a Stellar 63, Scott Feels There Is Room for Improvement
Heading into the final 36 holes, Scott sits just three shots behind the leaders, vying to capture his first PGA Tour win since his 2020 Genesis Invitational victory. When questioned about where his second-round 63 ranks among his best rounds at Riviera, Scott answered candidly about mixed emotions after the round.
“Yeah, I have a slight sour taste after coming off the last there, but it’s probably my best,”
Scott admitted.
“I mean, I actually couldn’t really believe it through 13, I think I was 9. I don’t even imagine that going out there. Yeah, it’s probably my best round out here. I know there were a lot of good scores today. I did shoot — I remember one, I think it was the year I won recently that I shot, I think it was on Thursday, I shot 7-under in the morning. It was a drier week, maybe more challenging, but there’s always a challenge. Like just getting the ball to the hole is hard when the greens are soft here, so this is great.”
Scott Reflects on His Ability to Score Low Amidst Challenges
When asked if experience makes it easier for him to shoot low scores when he gets off to a fast start, Scott expressed confidence in his capability that has been with him since his youth.
“Look, I mean, I’ll give myself a bit of credit, I’ve always felt like since I was a kid I could shoot a low score,”
Scott said.
Scott’s Approach to Maintaining Competitive Edge as He Ages
Although his recent holes showed some misjudgments, Scott emphasized his habitual willingness to take risks and his efforts to maintain instinctual play, even as certain reactions become slower with age.
“I’ve never really put the handbrake on, although it might have looked like it the last couple holes, I didn’t play my best. But I’ve always kind of been happy to just, you know, when I’m feeling good, have a go at it. And I was, I made a couple misjudgments. 16 was a bit of a misjudgment, but I don’t — I don’t think it gets tougher. I think as we get older it’s tougher to react as quickly, maybe with everything, but you know when you were young, you missed three cuts in a row and then you go out and win somehow. You shake it off and you win the next week. I feel like all these processes are slower maybe through more knowledge and caution or paralysis by analysis or something. You know, in the instinct, I think the thing I work hard or I could work harder on is like instinct out there.”
Outlook for Scott’s Chances in the Tournament
If Adam Scott can replicate the high standard he set on Friday throughout the remaining rounds of the Genesis Invitational, he is well-positioned to capture his 15th PGA Tour title. Despite the lingering ‘sour taste’ after his round, his resilience and dedication continue to make him a formidable competitor on the tour.
