Adam Scott hits back at Presidents Cup critics

Presidents Cup veteran Adam Scott has hit back at critics of the event, insisting it’s not ‘uninteresting’.

The Australian is set for his 11th successive start for the international team this week after making his debut in 2003.

He’s yet to be on the winning side but says there is nothing wrong with the match despite the US dominance.

“Despite the lack of competitiveness, I still think the event stands well on its own,” Scott told Golfweek, after claiming it shouldn’t be a mixed gender contest.

“I don’t think it’s uninteresting. The Ryder Cup was dominated by the United States for a long time also.

“The International Team is trending in the right direction over the last couple of years. It hasn’t given us the win that we want, but I think as soon as it does it will change the perception of the tournament.”

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After a solid season, Scott has his sights set on improving a lackluster Presidents Cup record of 18-25-6.

He’s hoping a blend of youth and experience will pay off, and hand captain Mike Weir a win on home soil.

“From behind the scenes, where I sit, a lot’s gone in from the international side, starting when Ernie (Els) took over as a captain, and Trevor (Immelman) and now Mike (Weir), building a team’s identity, giving it a home out on the tour for these guys.

“And we have guys like Tom Kim or Min Woo Lee who have grown up essentially their whole golfing life – their ambition to play under the international shield.

“So if we can get across the line and win, I think it’s going to change the whole perception of the event.

Should the internationals land their first victory since 1998, Min Woo Lee could be the difference, Scott says – if not himself.

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“I’ll go out and say that Min Woo Lee could be it, and Adam Scott could be it too,” he said. “If I rate my own performance the last five Cups or so, I’d say I underperformed.

“And if I was being tough on Adam Scott, I’d say you better perform this time or don’t bother about trying to play another Presidents Cup.”

Scott is certainly nearer the end of his glittering career than the start of it, leaving question marks hanging over his future involvement in the team.

No doubts can be raised about whether he will be a future captain, though.

Asked if he’d want to do it more than once, he said: “I really don’t know.

“I sit here and think maybe I can still play in 2028, but I don’t think there’s any problem with doing more than one.

“I think you got to put the right name forward for the job. The tricky thing is it’s two years out all the time that you’re getting the job. So, you know, a lot changes in that time.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.