Adam Scott prepares for Oakmont amid longest streak of consecutive U.S. Open starts

At 44 years old and with 96 major championship starts on his resume, Adam Scott is one of the most seasoned players in the field for the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. The popular Australian was busy on the practice range Tuesday, fine-tuning his game and staying loose for the challenge that faces him beginning Thursday.

But a range session was all he did Tuesday. Scott already had played Oakmont a couple of times in the lead-up to the U.S. Open, and if there is anything he has learned in his long career, it’s that he doesn’t need to overdo it.

“I’m trying to use some of the knowledge about myself, really, to my advantage,” Scott said. “I don’t think spending a lot of time out there Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday is (needed) for me to kind of realize how difficult the golf course is.

“I’d like to go out there pretty fresh on Thursday. And optimistic.”

Whether his tournament ends in the winner’s circle or with an early trip home Friday, Scott can take one distinction away from suburban Pittsburgh: This is his 24th consecutive start in the U.S. Open, most among active players. To put that in perspective, when Scott’s streak started, the beginning Mike Tomlin’s tenure as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ coach was five years away.

His best finish in a U.S. Open was a tie for fourth at Winged Foot in 2015, and he finished tied for seventh as recently as 2019. Last year at Pinehurst, he tied for 32nd.

In 2016 at Oakmont, Scott finished tied for 18th (6-over-par). Nine years later, he is seeing a different course than the one he played in 2016. He said he believes the alterations are subtle but improved the course.

“I actually felt there’s a bit of breathing room out there,” he said. “It’s still incredibly difficult, but I feel like the fairways are wider. Generally, there’s a little more green surface as well. That doesn’t mean it’s easier.

“It feels like the balance of the golf course is very good.”

Scott, who spent 11 weeks at No. 1 in the world in 2014, is seeking his second career major championship. He won the Masters in 2013 but, despite contending on numerous other occasions, hasn’t been able to add a second.

Asked about his chances this week, Scott was confident. He said if his iron game can come around, he believes he can be in the mix.

Besides, heading into his 24th straight U.S. Open, there’s little that fazes the Aussie.

“I do feel generally at this point, I’ve played a lot of U.S. Opens, and they’re less overwhelming,” he said, “and I say that respectfully. … I think playing fairly well here in ’16 is helpful for my own mind coming in as well.”