Appleby chasing Scott crown

Adam Scott would love to win his first major championship next week at The Masters, but is first focused on defending his Houston Open title.

Scott, whose name is regularly mentioned as one of the best players to have never won a major list, returns to Redstone Golf Club today for the event that serves as a final tune-up for Augusta.

Last season, Scott became the sixth Australian to win the Houston Open by posting a three-shot victory over fellow Aussie Stuart Appleby and Bubba Watson.

Scott won the event on the weekend, shooting a seven-under-par 65 in the third round and following it up with a 66 on Sunday. He had entered the final round in a five-way tie for second, three strokes behind Watson.

Scott has not won in three PGA events this season but he did come from behind to win at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters on the European Tour with a 61 in the final round.

If Scott is unable to defend his title this week, there will be a good chance that Appleby will be one of the reasons why.

In seven career starts in the event, Appleby has won twice and finished second twice. In his last three starts at the Houston Open, Appleby has finished first (2006) and tied for second twice (2005, 2007).

Additionally, in the two years the tournament has been played at The Tournament Course at Redstone, Appleby is 33-under with seven rounds in the 60s.

“I’ve played well here. The other course back I think when Freddie won, I was second there and second last year and won the year before so, yeah, I’ve played well here,” Appleby said.

“People ask what is it that brings it here or Houston because I guess I’ve won it twice over the years. I’m not really sure.

Just seems to be a coincidence, if anything, but I’ll be looking for some form that I had here when I won in ’06.“

Joining Scott and Appleby this week is a strong field that includes two-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson, K.J. Choi, Justin Leonard, Steve Stricker and 2006 U.S. Open winner Geoff Ogilvy.

Stricker finished third here in 2006 and is glad to be back.

“We’re still not able to hit balls or play up in Wisconsin yet so it’s still kind of difficult for me to get into tournaments feeling totally prepared,” he said. “But it’s been a good start to the season and look forward to this week and next week at Augusta.”