Nearly five years ago, Titleist Brand Ambassador Adam Scott (Pro V1) opened the WGC Invitational at Firestone Country Club with an 8-under-par 62, the lowest opening round in tournament history and one shy of the course record. Scott closed with a 66-65 on the weekend to finish with a 17-under 263 victory total, four clear of fellow Titleist golf ball loyalists Luke Donald (Pro V1x) and Rickie Fowler (Pro V1). It was the tournament's lowest winning score in 11 years. On a course that has always been considered among the toughest on the PGA TOUR, Scott recalled the keys to his success in capturing his first career World Golf Championship and what it will take to win this week.
"I remember the conditions were perfect for scoring, especially in that first round," said the 13-time PGA TOUR champion who spoke with Team Titleist while playing a practice round with fellow Aussie Matt Jones (Pro V1x) at Firestone Country Club, a 7,400-yard par-70 gem in Akron, Ohio. "I remember hitting a lot of greens in regulation and putted well, but still only led by one shot. I know I hit a couple of really long putts, but for the most part my ball striking was on and I hit the ball close to the hole."
In fact, Scott made eight birdies against no bogeys, hit 15 greens in regulation and made a 30-foot putt on the par-3 15th and a 28-footer on the par-4 17th on day one. For the week, he led the field with 21 birdies, including four over the final nine to secure the title. He didn't make a bogey over the final 26 holes.
Scott describes Firestone as a "classic, traditional, tree-lined course. I'd compare it to Riviera or Congressional. Being accurate and in position off the tee is key. The rough is pretty thick and difficult to get a good strike, but even more than that if you are too far right or left you might be blocked out by one of these large, overhanging trees. It's a great test. I enjoy playing here."
He also said how the course plays this week will be very weather-dependent.
"Right now, it is firm and fast. It is always in perfect condition and these greens are among the best we play all year. This course is a driver's paradise. If you are driving the ball well here you are at a great advantage because they are very difficult to hit, especially on the front nine. You have to be careful that the ball doesn't run through into the rough. I don't think we are expected to get much rain, but if we do and the fairways and greens soften up, the balls won't run out as far and we will be able to fly the approach shots right to the hole. You can't really do that the way it plays right now."
There are stretches on this course where Scott feels you need to be steady to stay in contention.
"I feel like the front nine is very challenging, especially holes four through eight or nine. Any birdies over that stretch you feel like you are picking up strokes on the field. Making par and moving on isn't a bad thing to close out the front nine. I feel like you can be a little more aggressive on the back."
This week's tournament is being contested nearly two months earlier than its traditional, post-PGA Championship August date due to golf being in the Olympics this year.
"I think this event was more of an exhale when it was sitting after the PGA Championship over the last several years. But I feel like it's in a good position to, again, test yourself at the highest level. The course is demanding. The field is strong. It seems that's what this summer is all about. Even Congressional last week. That was another demanding golf course. The earlier date made a difference when trying to prepare your schedule, but I think it sits okay and will be another great test over this two month stretch."
In addition to his victory in 2011, Scott has recorded three other top 15's at Firestone since 2010, including a tie for eighth last year.
"This is one of my favorite tour stops of the season and I've played a lot of good golf here over the years. Playing well here would help the momentum and the confidence going into the next two majors, a win or a good result where I play well is beneficial to that."
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TITLEIST BY THE NUMBERS
This week, 57% of the players in the limited field event are trusting a Titleist Pro V1 or Pro V1x golf ball for their success at Firestone Country Club, more than three times the nearest competitor with 15% and more than all competitors combined.
Titleist was tied for the top choice in the driver (16) category and led the way in the hybrids (9) and irons (17) categories.
Titleist Vokey Design Wedges also topped the approach, sand and lob wedge (70) category as did Scotty Cameron putters in the putter (22) category.
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