COROWA’S Marcus Fraser has praised Adam Scott’s mental resilience after watching his mate smash a 77-year US Masters hoodoo at Augusta, Georgia, yesterday.
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Fraser said Scott’s playoff victory against Angel Cabrera was one of Australian golf’s greatest moments and he believes it could be the start of something special for the Queenslander.
“I got up at 6.30am and started watching it and, being a pretty good mate, I was just hoping he could get over the line,” Fraser said.
“After what happened at the British Open last year (Scott blew a four-stroke last-round win finish second), it was an unbelievably gutsy effort to do what he did in the biggest tournament in the world.
“It’s just a completely different level.
“To stand over that putt on the 18th and hole it, then watch Angel Cabrera sink his putt and then go on and win in a playoff is absolutely remarkable.
“He’s obviously very fit and mentally strong.”
Fraser, who narrowly missed a start in the Masters after producing his best year since turning professional in 2002, said Scott had the respect of his peers.
“You can’t say a bad word about him,” he said.
“He’s one of the nicest blokes you would meet in your life.
“He’s a genuine person and nobody deserves it more than him.”
It was sweet redemption for Scott who led by four shots with four holes to play in last year’s British Open, before losing to Ernie Els.
The spin-offs for Australian golf are expected to be enormous.
It has been thirsting for success in a major since Geoff Ogilvy saluted in the 2006 US Open.
“It’s going to be huge,” Fraser said.
“The number of kids who will be out on the practice fairways this afternoon trying to emulate Adam Scott will be great for the sport here.
“Hopefully, it will give Australian tournaments a boost.
“To have three Australians in the top four in the Masters is fantastic.”