Adam Scott will tee off at the US Open brimming with confidence after reuniting with the swing coach who helped deliver his historic 2013 Masters victory.
Scott recently linked back up with brother-in-law and former coach Brad Malone, who guided Scott out of his 2009 slump and up the world rankings to No.1 a year after donning the green jacket.
Renewing partnerships: Adam Scott.
Photo: AP
In 2011, it was Malone who suggested Scott use the longer, broomstick putter which he used to deliver Australia's first Masters green jacket.
Scott says Malone, who was walking the fairways with Scott during a practice round at Shinnecock Hills in New York on Wednesday, has worked wonders on his game lately.
"It's been a good thing for me talking with him over the last few weeks," Scott said.
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"As much as he watches my technique, he can put me in a great headspace and I think for professional golfers that's a very good thing.
"I'm really comfortable with where things are going; I feel like (my game) is good enough to contend this week.
"I'm definitely seeing signs; the last six weeks there has been enough good golf to contend, especially in the ball-striking."
It leaves one missing piece from Scott's triumph at Augusta National – accomplished caddie Steve Williams.
While Scott didn't rule out a Williams return in the future, he did say it was unlikely anytime soon.
Scott needs a full-time bagman and New Zealand-based Williams no longer caddies a full playing schedule.
"I don't think so; I haven't really thought about it or any caddie situation moving forward," Scott said of Williams, who also helped Tiger Woods to 13 of his 14 major championship victories.
"But the likelihood Steve wants to caddie full-time is not high."
Instead, Scott will use local Shinnecock caddie Lenny Bummolo this week after parting ways with Englishman David Clark just before the US Open.
Scott has used Bummolo during casual rounds at Shinnecock Hills during the past five years, including one round in 2013 when Scott set the course record from the championship tees with a 63 (it was broken the next year by Kevin Stadler).
"Of course, his knowledge here is unquestionable; I've played here 20 times but he's probably (caddied) here 20,000 times," Scott said on Wednesday.
Searching for his second major title, the 37-year-old Scott revealed he will have Bummolo read every putt on Shinnecock's devilishly tricky greens.
"I am going to let him read them all; why wouldn't I?" Scott said.
"It's going to be helpful; it takes a lot of pressure off me that you have to deal with at a US Open, especially on the greens."
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