Scott pulls away to win Houston Open

Adam Scott carded his second straight bogey-free round with a six-under-par 66 on Sunday to win the Houston Open by three strokes.

Tied with fellow Australian Stuart Appleby for the lead through 10 holes, Scott took charge with two birdies on his final eight holes. Meanwhile, Appleby bogeyed three of his final five.

With a 17-under 271, the 26-year-old Scott won his fifth career PGA title and collected GBP503, 405 It was his first victory since last November’s Tour Championship.

Scott is the seventh Australian to win here, joining Appleby, Bruce Devlin, Bruce Crampton, David Graham and Robert Allenby.

American Bubba Watson, who began the fourth round with a three-stroke lead, shot a par 72 and tied Appleby for second.

Tommy Armour III shot 66 and finished fourth, four shots back.

“It was a crazy finish, actually, but I thought I was feeling pretty good going to the 17th and 18th tee,” Scott said. “I kind of got a gift from Stuart. I thought a couple pars would do it for sure, and the last couple holes being pretty tough.”

“We’re good friends. All Australians are good friends,” Appleby said. “I met Adam when he was a star at 15, 16 and absolutely a world beater. I didn’t know who he was until years later. All Australians are pretty good buddies. We have to travel a long way to get here. This is the ultimate stage to play on.”

Playing alongside Appleby, Scott led by just one stroke entering the final hole but secured the title by saving par with a 50-foot birdie putt.

“I was actually trying to lag it down there,” Scott said. “It went right in the middle in the end. So, exciting way to finish, I guess. But I’m glad it’s over.”

Scott will try to ride his momentum into next week’s Masters.

Last year, Phil Mickelson won at the Bell South title the week before the Masters before taking the Green Jacket.

“You kind of – you can’t really assume those kind of things. I’m sure Phil felt confident going to Augusta last year,” Scott said.

“I think he romped it in Atlanta by 13 or something. I’m sure he’s feeling pretty confident with himself.

“I feel great about my game, but I’m certainly not predicting a win at Augusta next week, although I’m feeling better now going into it than I did at the start of the week.”