Adam Scott missed an opportunity to defend his Masters title as the world No1 after conceding a three-shot lead during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
The 33-year-old Australian made just one birdie in a four-over-par 76 to finish third behind winner Matt Every at Bay Hill in Orlando.
Instead of overtaking Tiger Woods at the top of the rankings and heading to Augusta in a fortnight as a clear favourite, Scott again faces questions about the fragility of his putting. He held a seven-stroke advantage at halfway and this was the third time he had failed to win after having at least a three-shot cushion after 54 holes
“I’m annoyed I didn’t putt well,” said Scott. “My final round was a bit shaky. My short game just wasn’t there, so that needs to tighten up. I need to do a bit more work on it to hold up under the most pressure.
“I definitely identified a couple of areas that I’ll be working on the next two weeks.”
Every started the final round four strokes behind compatriot Scott and carded a 70 to clinch his first PGA tour title.
“It’s really cool,” said Every, who was banned from golf for three months in 2010 after being charged with possession of marijuana.
“I have had a lot of looks [at wins] and I kept telling myself maybe it’s going to come somewhere special. I still can’t believe I won.”
Read More
MORE ABOUT