Scott Leads Aussie Challenge at Masters

A band of determined Aussies are aiming to end their country’s US Masters barren run when they tee off at Augusta on Thursday.

The last time any Australian had come close to Masters glory was in 1996 when Greg Norman famously squandered a huge lead on the final day to hand the title to Nick Faldo.

One year later, a certain Tiger Woods came on the scene, increasing the difficulty factor for Aussie golfers ever since.

However, this year is as good as any for a possible champion to emerge from Australia with Adam Scott leading the charge along with US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy, Robert Allenby, Aaron Baddeley and Stuart Appleby.

World number three Scott has the best chance following his victory last week at the Houston Open, which was set up to mimic the Augusta course and provide golfers with an ideal tune-up for the season’s first Major.

Scott has taken inspiration from Ogilvy as he prepares for Augusta, as he said in The Age.

“Geoff’s mindset was that Majors are the easiest tournaments to win, that so many people are beaten before they have even started, and that’s the position I was in when I was younger. I didn’t really have the self belief I would be there on Sunday.”

Baddeley could also pose an outside challenge, having won in Phoenix earlier this year and finishing equal sixth at the World Golf Championships in Florida last month.

Before his first Masters since 2001, Baddeley said:

“I’ve got a lot more tools than back then. I’m a better driver, I’ve got better control over my irons, my short game’s a lot better and I’m a better putter. My goal is to win. I’m very comfortable where I’m at, and if I play the way I am right now, I’ll have a chance on Sunday.”


Leave a Reply