Scott eyes major chance to cement legacy

Adam Scott will play in the final group alongside 54-hole leader Brooks Koepka in the last round at the US PGA Championship in Missouri.

By Evin Priest, Australian Associated Press
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Adam Scott feels time time slipping away as he eyes another golden chance to claim a second golf major title at the US PGA Championship.

The Australian fired a second-consecutive five under par 65 at Bellerive Country Club on Saturday to go outright second, putting himself into Sunday's final group alongside leader Brooks Koepka (66), who is two shots clear at 12 under.

Scott has had several good chances on golf's biggest stage since his storybook Masters win five years ago, including at least a share of the Sunday lead at the 2013 and 2015 British Opens.

At age 38, he knows how precious they are as he eyes another opportunity to cement his legacy when he battles two-time US Open winner Koepka and others on a leaderboard packed with stellar names.

"A couple years have slipped by where I really haven't contended and I'm going to relish it tomorrow," Scott said after producing the best round of day three.

"Because, if it's another five (years), basically you're wheeling me out to pasture at that point.

"I want to make the most of this; hopefully it's the start of some (great) form in the big tournaments."

One shot behind Scott are Jon Rahm (66), Rickie Fowler (69) and Gary Woodland (71).

Australia's 2015 PGA Championship winner Jason Day struggled to hit top gear during a 67 which left him a shot further back.

Day, who finished second at the 2016 PGA and tied ninth last year, shares sixth with five others including defending champion Justin Thomas (68) and Tiger Woods (66).

Scott admits the prospect of becoming Australia's first male multiple major winner since Greg Norman captured his second British Open title in 1993 is exciting

"It all inspires me," Scott said.

"I've always thought I'm good enough to win more than one major, it's just been a different journey than I'd imagined.

"If it all were to fall my way (Sunday), it'd be significant for a lot of reasons other than just the history books.

"(Mostly) personal satisfaction; (victory) would be a great feeling for me and my family."

Scott is also driven to lift the PGA Championship's Wanamaker Trophy for close mate Jarrod Lyle, the Australian former US PGA Tour player who died on Wednesday following a 20-year battle with cancer.

"No matter who wins, if that person has met Jarrod Lyle, they will have felt something with him passing this week," Scott said.

Four-time PGA Championship winner Woods has ignited hopes he can chase down a four-shot deficit and earn his 15th major title.

Rounding out the Australian contingent arwe Marc Leishman (72) and Cameron Smith (73), who both tumbled down the leaderboard to be one over and three over, respectively.


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