Adam Scott Sheds Reality Behind the ‘Pressure’ of Facing Uncertain Future as U.S Open’s Door Nearly Shut for Him

Just before the beginning of the US Open, Adam Scott received an unexpected invitation. Following a defeat to Cam Davis in a sudden-death playoff at the U.S. Open qualifier in Springfield, things seemed uncertain for the Australian golfer. Initially ranked 61st in the OWGR standings, Scott secured a spot following the tragic passing of Grayson Murray, who was ranked 59th.

It was a close call for the golfer, but he kept his streak alive with over 90 appearances at the majors, now entering his 92nd. Following the first round at Pinehurst No. 2, he attended the post-match press conference and was asked, “Can you talk a little bit about the journey to even get here; you had to wait a little bit to find out which way either you were going to have an exemption or if you were going to get in as the alternate and also going through the qualifying process?” 

Responding to the uncertainty of the situation, Scott replied, “Yeah, it was all a little too close for comfort. For a few weeks I was always on the wrong side of the process, and then even the week — the qualifying being a week before the last cutoff, I wasn’t certain, and then of course I wasn’t certain after the qualifying being an alternate.” This underscores how narrowly he avoided missing his chance to play in the major this time and almost lost his hopes, considering the qualifiers were an alternative to getting into the US Open.

If Scott had missed out on this major, his long streak would have been broken. Surprisingly, the US Open is the only tournament this year that could have ended his streak. His T4 finish at the ISPS Handa Australian Open, part of the Open Qualifying Series Australia, guarantees him his 93rd major appearance at the Open Championship. The streak might extend to 94, as his 2013 Masters win secures him a spot at Augusta National in 2025.

After securing a spot in the field for the third major and keeping his streak alive, the golfer felt relieved. Later in the interview, he was asked, “Do you feel rejuvenated when you finally are in?” While explaining the pressure of almost missing out on the tournament, Scott responded, “I did, yeah. Honestly, it was a little bit of a weight on my shoulders because I entered an extra tournament to try and get in through the ranking and then played the qualifier when obviously I hoped I wouldn’t have to by that point.” 

The golfer further explained his desire to win and how playing an additional tournament would have increased the pressure on him as he iterated, “There was an extra couple weeks out here on the road, and I felt the pressure of that, and it’s only because I want to compete here and have a chance to win so badly that it was a little weight on my shoulders.” Meanwhile, after securing his spot, Adam Scott skipped the Memorial last week and used the time to practice for the US Open. Despite Scott managing to secure a last-minute invitation, this isn’t the first time the golfer has come close to missing out on the US Open.

When did Adam Scott almost miss out on the US Open before 2024?

In 2018, the professional golfer dropped out of the top 60 on the OWGR and had to qualify at the 36-hole event in Columbus, Ohio, to secure a spot in the U.S. Open. At that time, he was on a 17-year streak of playing in all the majors. To maintain his streak, he made a crucial two-putt from 30 feet for par on his final hole at The Lakes Golf and Country Club, finishing the qualifiers with an even-par 72 for a 6-under 138. After earning a spot in the championship, the pro enthusiastically told USA Today, “It’s a nice streak to keep going, but it will be better if I win the U.S. Open.” “I am playing all these majors to win them, not just to show up, so I’d like to make the most of this opportunity.”

Later, the golfer competed in the 2018 U.S. Open, marking his 68th consecutive major appearance. Now, with his 92nd appearance, his journey, which began in 2001, continues. In 2001, he competed at the Open Championship at Royal Lytham. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that he won his first major at the Masters. Now, as he competes in the US Open this year, do you think he will claim his second major title, or will this tournament simply mark his 92nd appearance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!