Scott confident, despite poor Open record

Adam Scott has missed the cut on three of his four British Open appearances, but feels there is no time like the present to claim his first major title.

The young Australian also made an early exit from the US Masters and US Open this year and has only one top-10 finish in major championships, at Augusta in 2002, to his name.

But two victories on the US Tour in 2004 – and in particular his triumph in the prestigious Players’ Championship at Sawgrass – have convinced Scott, who celebrates his 24th birthday tomorrow, he possesses the ability to claim one of the game’s four biggest prizes if the chance comes along.

“It is definitely something that plays on your mind, to win a major,” said Scott, who begins his challenge for the 133rd Open at Troon this afternoon alongside Darren Clarke and American Kenny Perry.

“I think both someone like Sergio Garcia and myself can say we have got a lot of years ahead of us but we are both playing well right now so we should try and take the chance if we get it and that is the attitude I am taking into the majors.

“If I can play well and get myself in a position there is no reason why I should not win the tournament.

"I know I can. I finished it off at the Players’ Championship and a couple of others in the US and in Europe and beat some good fields.”