21 Feb 2017

Scott revamps schedule in major bid

10:10 am on 21 February 2017

Australian Golfer Adam Scott will revamp his 2017 major championship schedule in a bid to add to his historic 2013 Masters title.

Australian golfer Adam Scott

Australian golfer Adam Scott Photo: Photosport

The 36-year-old has revealed he plans to play both the Houston and Scottish Opens - traditionally the lead-up events to the US Masters and British Open - for the first time since 2008.

The world number seven's last start at the Scottish Open came in 2009, when the Queenslander tied for fourth place behind Germany's Martin Kaymer.

He also hasn't played at Houston since sharing 14th place in 2010 - an event he won in 2007.

Speaking after his 11th-place finish at the Genesis Open in Los Angeles, Scott confirmed likely starts at the Golf Club of Houston in April and Scotland's Dundonald Links in July.

"Yes, that's the plan," Scott said.

"I haven't done that in a while. But when I played in blocks of two and three weeks last year, I played really well."

Scott endured his worst season in six years at the 2016 grand slams, with his best finish a tie for 18th at both the US Open and US PGA Championship.

"If you look at my major results the last two years, it hasn't been getting better; it's been getting worse ... so I had to make some changes," he said.

Scott - who revealed at Riviera Contry Club that he and wife Marie are expecting a second child in August - said another influence for the schedule overhaul was the availability of semi-retired New Zealand caddie Steve Williams.

Particularly, ensuring he was in sync with Williams at least a week before arriving at major championship venues.

"The week-on, week-offs don't work well for me," Scott added.

"A lot changed in my life over the last two years and it doesn't allow me to prepare the same way as my best four or five years at the majors.

"The structure is very different around me - at home and also at the golf course with changes in caddies."

Scott first hired Williams midway through 2011 and flourished with the caddie who was on the bag for 13 of Tiger Woods' 14 major championship wins.

Williams helped deliver Scott's maiden major at Augusta National in 2013 and was on the bag when Scott reached world No.1 in May 2014.

Scott now alternates between Williams and Englishman David Clark, Scott's caddie during back-to-back US PGA Tour victories in February 2016.