Adam Scott’s form reversal appears to have some real foundation. The Australian roared into contention at the Northern Trust Open in New Jersey today with the low round of the week, a 64 that included eight birdies.
Third in the PGA Championship last week to get himself into the tour’s playoff series, Scott is third at nine-under par through two rounds, just a shot behind dual major winner Brooks Koepka and another American, Jamie Lovemark.
The Queenslander putted beautifully, mostly with his long putter but occasionally with a second, regulation-length putter that he has been carrying in his bag. It is virtually unheard of for a professional to carry two putters, but he has been doing it for several weeks now.
“Well, the idea was to use the short putter on some really long putts and generate a little speed easier,’’ he told the tournament broadcaster after his round. “With something like 20-footers, I found this year I just didn’t make the 20-footers and I’ve been working really hard with the short putter and I haven’t had to use it much. I think I’ve scared the long putter into performing a bit better! So it (the short putter) is sitting there waiting for a run and it’s only had a couple of putts in the four tournaments I’ve used it for so far.’’
Scott made just one bogey for the day and four birdies coming home, including a great two-putt from long range at the par-five 17th and then a gusty par-saver from three metres at the last hole.
“I played well yesterday, but I hit a few more fairways today so I had a few more shots at the green and created a few more chances,’’ he said. “I think my putting was good today too. I holed the putts you’d expect to make, including the one on the last, so that feels really good to finish fairly clean when I’ve played well.’’
It has been a good week for the Australians with Jason Day (66 today) and Cameron Smith (68) both in the mix at five-under par.
Lovemark made everything and led the tournament by four shots at one point but faded late, while Koepka birdied the last three holes to take a share of the lead.