An Aussie Invasion at the Shell Houston Open
HOUSTON - What in the name of Greg Norman is going on? It must be something in the water, or maybe the beer, but the Shell Houston Open has become a haven for Australian players.
The boys from 'down-under' have enjoyed quite a nice run in the tournament the last few years. In 1999, Stuart Appleby claimed his third TOUR title at the TPC at The Woodlands while fellow countryman and best friend Robert Allenby is the current defending champion. Total, five Australians have won the Shell Houston Open, more than any other international country.
And they are at it again this year. Making the most of a sponsors exemption, 20-year-old Adam Scott fired a 68 to earn a spot in the top ten after the first round of of the $3.4 million event. The 4-under-par effort is his best start on the PGA TOUR in four starts this year.
For the Queensland, Australian native, the stellar play came none to soon. After winning the Alfred Dunhill Championship earlier this year on the European Tour, he has struggle with his game.
"I played solid today for the first time in a while," said Scott. "It was a great thrill to win in Europe, but it's been a little disappointing since then. I have really struggled with my swing as far as technique, but I have learned a lot through not swinging so well and having to scramble a little bit more."
Since turning pro last June after a two-year fling with college golf at the University of Las Vegas, the heralded youngster learned some hard facts about both his game and playing for a living. The eye-opening experience prodded him to work hard in the off season on both his short game and mental approach.
"I am learning every round I play and every week I play wherever it is in the world," Scott explained. "I put so much pressure on myself when I came over last year. There are so many good players over here that if you play bad you miss the cut. You can play bad in Europe some weeks and have a chance on Sunday if you're getting it around."
Of course, the learning curve has been aided by special attention Norman has bestowed on the prodigy. The Great White Shark has lent advice and opened his home to Scott on several occasions.
"He is unbelievable to me in how generous he is with his time," Scott said of Norman. "I soak up every minute that I can with Greg."
He will, however, have to wait a while to compete on a weekly basis against his idol. As an exempt member on the European Tour, that is where he is going to concentrate the majority of his schedule. Scott, though, one day wants to come to the U.S. and try to get his PGA TOUR card, but only when the time is right.
For now, he has goals to achieve on the European Tour. Scott says he would like to win again and finish in top ten on the money list while allowing his game to improve.
"I would love to end up playing in America," said Scott. "Whenever it is, next year, three years, it doesn't bother me. I think I need to come over here from a position of strength and I'll play a lot better when I do come over."
He played pretty well during the opening round of the Shell Houston Open. Scott demonstrated his newly improved short game with an up-and-down on the 17th hole after hitting it in the water for bogey. Saying that was the key to his round, he made an eagle two holes later to compliment the three birdies on his card.
While it's far too early in the tournament to get excited by one round, the history of Aussie success in the event makes anything possible. When reminded of his countries recent run in the Shell Houston Open, Scott just flashed a boyish smile and said, "Yeah, I kind of like that."
Cheers, to that kind of thinking.