He’s back! Scott wins Australian Open in style

7/12/09| Adam Scott confirmed his comeback to form in emphatic fashion with a 5 stroke victory yesterday at the 2009 Australian Open at the New South Wales Golf Club in La Perouse, NSW.

Battling a resurgent Stuart Appleby, a tough layout and most importantly, the demons within after his worst ever year on the US PGA Tour, Scott shot even par on Sunday to achieve a lifelong dream of winning his national Open.

The day didn’t start all that well for Scott, who led by 2 from Appleby overnight. He three-putted the first for a bogey while Appleby birdied to leave both players tied for the lead at 14 under. However, Scott showed that he wasn’t fazed by the bogey, knocking it in close on the next hole for a birdie.

After leading by as many as 7 shots after 12 holes, Scott had a small blip, giving Appleby a look in with bogeys at the 13th, 14th and 16th holes to lead by just 3 strokes with two to play. But the Queenslander held his nerve with a regulation par-3 at the 17th before finishing in style with a birdie at the last hole to get back to even par for the day and seal his first professional victory on home soil.

“I’m so proud to be a national champion of your own country,” an elated Scott said of his maiden professional win at home.

“It’s the pinnacle really. Just thinking of the names that (are) on there (the Stonehaven Cup) … I’m so happy to be on there and (it’s) something I will treasure forever.”