Adam Scott says world No.1 Jordan Spieth is poised to become golf's new Tiger Woods.
The young American continued his 2015 rampage from the very start of the new year, storming to a 30 under par eight-shot victory in the recent Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii to reinforce his current sovereignty.
Jason Day, who was No.1 last year after a similar successful season, and former No.1 Scott are both determined to topple Spieth, but Scott acknowledges the enormity of the task.
“I think it’s not completely different than what Tiger did at his age,” Scott told Sportal.
He said Spieth demonstrated the fearlessness of youth, untroubled by doubts over swing and putting issues which tend to nag many players as their careers progress.
“That confidence and youth and raw, natural talent, that’s not influenced by much golf over his career. If you’re in his position it’s hard to be negative or have any concerns," Scot said.
"Think of where he’s got to at age 22. There’s not a lot of bad golf in him.
“I saw his quote…where he said he’s learned how to deal with the lead. If that continues to be the case he’s going to be very tough to beat.”
But having tasted top spot, Scott says it has become a major aim this year for him.
“More of a goal since being No. 1 than when I was getting close to it,” he said. “Ask anyone who’s been there. It’s a good feeling.
“It’s pretty clear what you have to do to get there, and if I get there I will have achieved the things I’m looking to achieve.”
Six-times major winner Sir Nick Faldo says that the expected battle between Spieth, Day and Rory McIlroy for golf's spoils this year promises to bring a different kind of excitement to the game than when Tiger Woods' record-breaking spell at the top.
There is now a three-way fight – at the end of last year, the three players under age 30 were ranked in the top three for the first time since the world rankings were introduced in 1986.
"That gives us longevity," Faldo said. "We have 10 more years of really good golf if those guys spearhead it.
"This is a new refreshing transition, the end of Tiger's era and the start of a different style of golf again. It's amazing. They're mentally strong, technically strong, physically strong.
"It's a great time."