An undefeated Adam Scott is through to the final 16 at the World Golf Championships-Match Play after a stirring victory over local hero Jordan Spieth in Texas.
Scott was never behind on the scoreboard throughout the clash with three-time Major winner Spieth and the Australian was up by three holes early on in the round at Austin Country Club.
The 2013 masters winner increased his advantage to four holes after the 12th, and when both Spieth and Scott made par at the 16th Scott secured a 3-and-2 victory.
Returning to the WGC-Match Play for the first time since 2016 has proved a good move for Scott given two pool victories and a halve against Keegan Bradley will build his confidence heading to the Masters in two weeks.
I played solid today, I’m happy with my game,” Scott said after the match. “Jordan didn’t make a putt today and that’s always tough in match play.
“I’d like to have closed it out in better style (by not missing a birdie putt at the 16th) but I’m happy to move through.”
Scott said he could feel the crowd on Spieth’s side given he was raised in Dallas before attending the University of Texas in Austin.
But Scott said he also felt the love in a state where he has fond memories , given he is the only golfer in history to win the ‘Texas Slam’ – victories at the PGA Tour events in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Fort Worth.
“(Support for Spieth) was to be expected and well deserved, he’s a great guy and playing in his home state but I’ve had some success in the state of Texas and felt the support.”
Scott progresses to the final 16 and will play Kevin Kisner on Saturday morning for a place in the quarter finals.
Scott’s fellow Australian Min Woo Lee halved his match against Tom Hoge. Lee has 1.5 points from his three matches in Austin.
Marc Leishman defeated Luke List in his match but was already assured of not going through to the final 16, while Lucas Herbert was down in his clash with Japan’s Takumi Kanaya.
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