Adam Scott back at Huntingdale looking for elusive 1st win
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) After two close calls at Huntingdale Golf Club, Adam Scott is back at the southeast Melbourne sandbelt course looking for a win in this week's Australian Masters.
Scott won the Australian Masters at nearby Kingston Heath in 2012 and at Royal Melbourne in 2013, but he's lost in playoffs twice at Huntingdale - in 2002 and 2003.
The tournament was played at Huntingdale from its inception in 1979 to 2008, but first shifted to another course in 2009, when Tiger Woods won at Kingston Heath.
''Personally I've had a couple of close calls here in the past and it's fun to be back here with the challenge of trying to go one better,'' Scott said Wednesday.
Scott reiterated Wednesday that he's not a certainty to play for Australia at the Rio Olympics next year, even if he qualifies.
The 35-year-old Scott is in line for selection alongside Jason Day in Australia's men's team when golf returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.
''I've been pretty open and outspoken that it's not really a priority of my scheduling next year which is based around the majors, and if the Olympics fits in then it does,'' Scott said. ''The gap in the schedule there - some time off looks quite good actually.''
Last week, Ernie Els, the other promoted drawcard at Huntingdale, pulled out of the tournament to spend more time with his family. Australian amateur Ben Eccles, who won last week's New South Wales Open title, turned pro Wednesday and is also competing at Huntingdale.
The Masters is the start of the so-called Australian Triple Crown. The Australian Open, with defending champion Jordan Spieth and Scott in the field, is being played next week at The Australian in Sydney, followed by the Australian PGA at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast from Dec. 3-6.
