HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

January 17, 2024

Adam Scott

Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. What do you do to work off the rust that can accumulate in the off-season?

ADAM SCOTT: You just have to get out and do it. You're going to accept a few squirrely ones and not get in too much trouble. But I feel like I've had a nice little bit of preparation. It's been quick but it's been effective. I've done this for a few years now, so hopefully I'll be okay.

Q. Playing this event seems to be a part of your schedule going forward. Is it fitting in better with the way you set up this part of the year?

ADAM SCOTT: Yeah, it certainly does. It seems like the commute between Australia and where I live in Europe, Dubai is right on the way. Dubai is kind of like a half of the world, is how I see it at the moment. It's on my way back home and then I get back home and kind of play an American season.

But I love getting out here. The weather is great. The course is great. Everything is set up so nicely for us. It's really a pleasure to be here this week.

Q. Strong field, as well. Strong golf course, ideal to test your game early on in the season in an event like this.

ADAM SCOTT: Yeah, maybe too much of a test; more than you'd ask for first week out. But like I said, I feel like I left off in a confident spot at the end of last year, and I'm shooting for big things still. You know, watching Rory and Tommy play at a high level last week, I understand it's going to be high here already. So I've got to get my head down and make some putts.

Q. What is it that you have to do around here this week to score well?

ADAM SCOTT: Well, really, here it's putting it in the fairway off the tee to give yourself chances. The rough is thick and the fairways are narrow, and to give yourself enough chances at birdie to contend, you are going to have to hit a couple extra fairways a day.

So if the driving is nice, then I'll be in a good spot.

Q. Is that something you focus on leading to a week like this to make sure that's in a good position?

ADAM SCOTT: Yeah, there are certain things you have to focus on, and you identify some areas that are really important each week. Here, hitting the fairway, work off the tee, and mid- to long-irons is important, and then some putting always counts for a lot in the game.

But those are the kind of areas that are really important this week, so it's nothing too overwhelming, but hopefully figure them out.

Q. There are events worldwide that have storied traditions; this one must be one of them. How much would you like to get your name on the trophy?

ADAM SCOTT: Yeah, absolutely, having played here the first time, it was still a fairly new event when I first came here. But the history and the drama that's been here, and the fact we have been coming back to this course now since 1989, I believe, you know, it's kind of well-known and everyone knows what the 18th hole looks like and what could happen there. 17 is a gettable one.

It's nice when it's familiar for everybody, and people at home are excited to watch it, as well. They have that connection with the place, and I certainly do. I think it's great to see this event elevated as a Rolex Series and getting a great field.