Australia’s Adam Scott determined to rail against Oakmont worries in bid for US Open
Former world No1 Adam Scott intends to “challenge” the complexities of the Oakmont course as he bids to land the second Major of his career at the US Open, which starts on Thursday.
Tournament officials have been moved to cut the course’s rough after it was considered too punishing, especially when the traditionally fast greens were thrown into the equation.
Argentina’s Angel Cabrera won the US Open with a score of five over par the last time the tournament was held at Oakmont, although Scott insists a conservative approach could be just as fatal as an over-aggressive game-plan.
“I think you’ve got to challenge this golf course,” said Scott. “You look at the field, you look at the quality of players and how well a lot of the top players are playing and it’s going to be a very, very difficult golf course to lay back and execute perfectly all week.
“The greens are just so severe that coming in with a longer club all the time is probably going to catch up with you. I feel like if any of the top guys play well, you’re at a disadvantage if you’re plodding your way around.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean attack. You’ve got to be a little bit smart, but I think my plan certainly is to challenge this golf course.”
Scott has been paired with world No1 Jason Day and Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa for the opening two rounds. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy will play alongside Masters champion Danny Willett and America’s Rickie Fowler.