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Wednesday October 7, 2009

Scott feels no extra pressure over captain’s role

SAN FRANCISCO: Australia’s Adam Scott says he feels no extra pressure to perform for the International team at this week’s Presidents Cup after his surprise selection as a captain’s choice.

Scott was a shocking pick by Internationals captain Greg Norman because he has been out of form most of the year but he seems to be back on the right track after sharing 35th at the PGA Tour’s Turning Stone Championship on Sunday.

“I strongly believe I can contribute my part to this team like everyone else. If it was my first (Presidents Cup) maybe I would (feel pressure) but I think I’ve got a good handle on what’s going on,” Scott said Monday.

“I’m over the moon to be here and be part of this team. It has been good for me in a lot of ways, not only the confidence of getting picked but also getting me out there the last few weeks and working hard.

“If I wasn’t playing here, I would have taken a break and been starting from scratch again when I did start to get ready.”

Scott was ranked third in the world in the middle of last year but has dropped all the way to 65 after a miserable run of form in recent months.

He has played in three Presidents Cups but has yet to be on a winning team against the Americans, who have dominated the biennial event since its 1994 inception, compiling five victories with one loss and one draw.

The International team was already the underdog this week before captain Norman announced Friday that he had separated from tennis great Chris Evert, his wife of barely a year.

Scott, however, does not believe Norman’s personal problems will hurt the team. Norman is, after all, used to juggling his personal life with business and the occasional tournament.

“The guy can take a lot on his shoulders,” Scott said. “He has in the past and I’m sure he can do it again.

“Obviously it’s a personal situation for Greg and we’re all supportive of him, like he’s supportive of us. Beware the injured captain. We really need to get a win and make this a competitive competition.”

Scott was one of only a handful of International players at Harding Park on Monday ahead of tomorrow’s opening pairs matches. — AFP

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