March 31, 2007–Former University of Nevada, Las Vegas golfer Adam Scott was picked by Golfweek writer Jeff Babineau as the man who will become Australia's first champion of The Masters. In an issue that featured an overall article about the state of the game in Australia, Scott was one of several Aussies picked by different writers (others were Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby and Jason Day) to win The Masters. While at UNLV and playing and practicing at many Las Vegas golf courses, Scott was a freshman All-American and finished 11th at the NCAA Finals before leaving to go pro in the middle of his sophomore season.
He then needed only eight starts to secure his 2000 European Tour playing privileges, and then opened the next season with a win at the Alfred Dubhill Cup, giving him his first title as a professional. Scott continues to be the highest ranked former UNLV player in the world, and currently stands at number five behind Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. Check out the official Las Vegas golf course guide!
Scott is joined at The Masters by another former Rebel, Chad Campbell, and current Las Vegas resident Dean Wilson. Also in the field is Troy Matteson, the champion of Las Vegas' 2006 PGA Tour event, the FRYS.com Open, Jim Furyk, a three time Las Vegas PGA Tour event champion. The Masters will be played April 5-8.
Babineau wrote the following about Scott's chances:
"More than ever, Augusta National has become a playground for power players, and the Aussie that best fits that bill is Adam Scott. He's been off to a strange start in 2007, failing to seize upon momentum created by his victory at the 2006 Tour Championship and solid runner-up showing to Vijay Singh at Kapalua. But Scott is the guy whose unbridled power and sound ballstriking can get him into the Sunday mix at The Masters.
"Scott finished 16th on the PGA Tour in driving distance in 2006 and was third in scoring (68.95). He's taught by Tiger's old mentor (Butch Harmon) and Greg Norman's former looper (Tony Navarro) on the bag–not to mention Greg Norman on his speed dial–so his entourage knows a thing or two about the nuances of The National."
The Butch Harmon School of Golf is located at Rio Secco Golf Club in Las Vegas, and Scott spends a lot of time practicing at the facility. Rio Secco is also home to 18 holes of wonderful Rees Jones golf.