Adam Scott: Genesis Invitational at Riviera “my favorite” PGA Tour event

Adam Scott is off to a good start heading into the 2024 season.

The Brisbane, Australia native has two top-10 finishes in Dubai and Phoenix, and tied for 20th at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Now, Scott is back at Riviera Country Club, where he has two wins and seven top-10 finishes during his illustrious career.

“Playing here is always the highlight of my year. I love this track and I love this event,” Scott said Tuesday ahead of the Genesis Invitational.

“This is my favorite event to play on tour, so I’m very grateful that my sponsors invited me this week to give me the opportunity to take another lap around the Riviera.”

Scott believes there’s more to Riviera than just the iconic course designed by George C. Thomas.

He feels at home in Southern California and Australia because there are many similarities there.

“The eucalyptus trees smell just like Australia. The grass is similar, the weather is similar. We have nice weather here,” Scott said.

“I just have a certain level of comfort. To me, it’s more than just a great golf course.”

The Kikuyu grass that stretches along Riviera’s fairways is a problem for many players. This thick, rough grass often takes away control of the player’s clubface, flipping the face and forcing errant shots.

Still, Kikuyu is common in Australia, so Scott has extensive experience with this type of lawn. Perhaps this helps explain why Scott was so successful on the Riviera.

However, he has long been a phenomenal ball striker, a requirement for any player to succeed on this course. Additionally, hitting the ball well requires proper positioning from the tee.

Scott does this regularly at Riviera.

The Australian, who ranked third in strokes gained when he won in 2020, was closing in on the green. Scott ranked fourth in this regard two years ago when he was tied for fourth.

Four of the past five winners at Riviera have finished within the top six in strokes gained approaching the green. That’s the key to success.

Photo by Ben Jared/PGA Tour via Getty Images

This year, Scott ranks fifth on the PGA Tour in strokes gained approaching the green. He also ranks third in proximity to the hole, meaning he’s finding the putting surface closer to his flagstick. The recipe will lead to success on any course, let alone the Riviera.

Asked about the state of his game, Scott said, “I like the feel of my game overall.”

“I’m hoping to have a good week this week and I think I can keep up some good momentum with my golf play.”

Scott wouldn’t have been able to maintain his momentum if he hadn’t received a sponsor exemption this week.

Scott did not qualify for the 2023 FedEx Cup Playoffs, so he did not initially compete in the limited field, the third signature event of the season. This week’s Genesis Invitational will feature just 70 of his competitors, 50 of whom qualified at his BMW Championship last year.

“I can’t remember exactly the last time I was invited by a sponsor. I’ve probably been invited to tournaments in Asia and stuff over the years, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been on the PGA Tour, that’s for sure,” Scott said. Ta.

“I feel lucky to have gotten one of them, otherwise I wouldn’t have qualified. That’s how it is. But I’m very happy to be here. Like I said, this is an event I’m really looking forward to. It’s my favorite track of the year, so I want to make the most of it.”

Given his comfort and experience at Riviera and his current form, no one would be surprised to see Scott fight this weekend.

Perhaps we might find the Australian in the winner’s circle later on Sunday afternoon.

Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.