A Historic Milestone
When Adam Scott steps up to the first tee at Shinnecock Hills for the opening round of the US Open, he will be making history. This moment marks his 100th consecutive major championship appearance, a feat that places him in an elite group of golfers. Only one other player has ever achieved this: Jack Nicklaus, who played in 146 consecutive majors from 1962 to 1998.
Scott’s journey to this milestone is not just about numbers—it’s about dedication, resilience, and a deep passion for the game. His 100th consecutive major comes just two weeks after he participated in the Nicklaus Memorial Tournament, where he had the chance to speak with the legendary golfer. Even at 86, Nicklaus was as sharp as ever, offering a playful remark about Scott’s achievement.
“I said, ‘Don’t worry, I think your record’s pretty safe,’ and he told me, ‘I know,’” Scott shared with Australian media.
The Journey Through 25 Years
Scott made his major debut at the 2000 British Open at St Andrews, though he missed the cut. Despite that, he had the opportunity to play a practice round with Tiger Woods. At the time, he was unaware of what lay ahead in the world of major tournaments.
He missed the next three majors but began his streak at The Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes in 2001, where he finished 47th. Maintaining fitness and competitiveness over 25 years to appear in 100 consecutive majors is no small feat. For context, Tiger Woods’ longest streak was 46, while Greg Norman managed only 21. Tom Watson played in 87, and Sergio Garcia in 84.
Jordan Spieth currently holds the next longest active streak of major appearances, with 52, and the US Open will be his 53rd.
Challenges Along the Way
Throughout his career, Scott has faced several challenges, many of which have occurred at the US Open. In 2008, he played with a broken finger, yet still made the weekend. In 2018, he nearly missed the tournament due to his ranking, but managed to qualify through tough qualifying rounds.
The 2024 US Open almost ended his streak when he was ranked No.61, just outside the automatic qualification. However, a tragic event—Grayson Murray’s death—created a spot in the field, and as the next in line, Scott received the call-up.
A Personal Triumph
While Scott’s victory at the 2013 Masters is the highlight of his career, he also cherishes his win at the 2009 Australian Open. That victory came at a crucial time in his career, following a difficult year in 2009 where he struggled with form and confidence.
After missing six cuts in a row, Scott found his footing at the New South Wales Golf Club, where he won by five strokes. This win was pivotal for his career, helping him regain confidence and leading to strong performances in subsequent majors.
The Road Ahead
Despite his accomplishments, Scott remains focused on the future. He would trade his milestone for a second major title, having come close on several occasions. With nine top-10 finishes in majors since 2009, he knows the importance of patience and strategy.
At the 2024 US Open, Scott is confident in his ability to contend. “This course is right up my alley,” he said. “There’s shades of some Melbourne Sandbelt around there, some strategy, some patience.”
A Final Push
As he prepares for his 100th consecutive major, Scott is feeling good, especially with his putting. “Everyone who plays golf knows if you’re feeling pretty good with the putter, it’s all going to be OK,” he said.
While the week will be challenging, Scott believes his experience will help him navigate the difficulties. “These are the weeks—whether in adverse conditions or mental tests—where I feel some of this experience can pay off.”
Scott’s 100th consecutive major will begin at 10:03pm on Thursday night (AEST). It’s a moment that celebrates not just a number, but a lifetime of dedication and passion for the sport.
