Australia’s Adam Scott believes the narrow fairways and deep rough at the Sentosa Golf Club’s par-71 Serapong Course helped him maintain focus on his way to a successful Singapore Open title defence on Sunday.
The world number six birdied the 18th to defeat South Africa’s Ernie Els in a three-hole playoff and register a first victory since his triumph here 12 months ago after torrential rain had reduced the $3-million Asian Tour event to 54 holes.
”I played really well this week and I don’t know whether the rough kept me focused on the fairway or not, but I hit a lot more than I normally do,” Scott told reporters.
”My game was very well rounded this week and I worked very hard on my concentration. I am pretty happy with myself.”
Scott and Els had reached the ninth hole locked at 10-under par for the tournament but a tropical downpour forced the players off the course for a second time and the organisers opted to scrap the final round.
Sharing the lead overnight on eight-under par, the pair went back out onto the course to play the last three holes after the Asian Tour felt it was the most suitable conclusion for the region’s richest national open.
”It’s a far more comfortable feeling than having a one-hole playoff,” the 26-year-old added.
”You don’t feel so much pressure and have more of a chance to make up lost ground.
”The only mistake I made was my tee shot on the first playoff hole. I was a little anxious as Ernie can pull off the spectacular.
”Today maybe was not his day out there, I hit a good chip on the last which put some pressure on him.”
Scott also felt that the shortening of the tournament did not take any of the gloss off his victory.
”We may have only played 12 holes today but it certainly felt like 18.” Scott told reporters.
”Obviously I would have liked to have finished a four rounder today, but the playoff was justified as there was not much between Ernie and myself.
”But I am very happy as it is the first time I have defended a title, it’s a great feeling and something I will cherish.
”To win a national open, like I said last year, is fantastic. It’s been a long time coming and hopefully I can kick on from here.” – Reuters