In Oakmont, Pennsylvania, the U.S. Open leaderboard showcased an intriguing mix of golfers. Among them stood Adam Scott, a seasoned player at 44, whose gray-streaked hair belies his enduring talent and popularity. Despite not being a favorite in the pre-tournament predictions, Scott finds himself tied for second place after the third round, just one shot behind the leader, Sam Burns. His impressive performance on Saturday with a 3-under 67 underscored his capability to compete fiercely.
Reflecting on his potential win, Scott remarked, “If I were to come away with it tomorrow, it would be a hell of a round of golf and an exclamation point on my career.” He is keenly aware that winning won’t be easy, given the youthful competition, many of whom have never tasted victory at a major tournament. Scott’s potential triumph would make him the second-oldest winner of the U.S. Open in history, behind Hale Irwin.
Scott last seriously contended for a major back in 2018 at the PGA Championship. “Everyone out here has got their journey. Putting ourselves in these positions doesn’t just happen by fluke,” he reflected. Overcoming the notoriously challenging Oakmont course in the final six holes, he displayed his skill with impressive shots, including a tee shot that landed within 5 feet of the pin on the 13th hole, and a remarkable 331-yard drive on the 18th.
Playing alongside fellow Australian Marc Leishman in a practice round earlier, Scott’s form wasn’t lost on Leishman. “He was striking the ball well,” Leishman commented. Although not among the year’s top ten finishes, Scott has been quietly improving, showing signs of resurgence off the tee in recent weeks. “I’m not exactly firing on all cylinders, but it’s a nice thing having some confidence coming into tomorrow,” Scott admitted.
As the tournament heads into its final day, Scott’s experience stands as his greatest asset, having played in 96 consecutive majors — second only to golfing legend Jack Nicklaus’s 146. The other frontrunners, including J.J. Spaun, Viktor Hovland, and Carlos Ortiz, collectively have far fewer major appearances. Looking ahead, Scott remains optimistic: “A lot can happen in 18 holes out here. But I like what I’ve done so far.”