When Adam Scott takes the field this Thursday at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, he will reach his 100th consecutive major. Only Jack Nicklaus (146) has a longer streak. The 45-year-old Australian began this streak at the 2001 British Open.
“I’m playing all these tournaments to win them, not just to show up,” Scott said in 2018, after qualifying for the US Open in a playoff. Nothing has changed except the number.
A feat that demands everything
Jordan Spieth, who has 52 consecutive among active players, defines it like this: “It’s not just playing at a high level, it’s taking care of yourself the right way, longevity in a sport where almost everyone fails due to injury.”
Examples abound: Tiger Woods stopped at 46 due to knee surgery; Rory McIlroy lost 70 after injuring his ankle playing soccer; Tom Watson reached 87 before injuring his shoulder; Sergio García was left at 84 due to COVID-19.
Scott has avoided those mishaps. In 2008, he crushed his right hand on his car door and still played. In 2024, he lost in the US Open qualifier, but was the first alternate. Weeks later, Grayson Murray died, and the world ranking kept him on the list; Scott moved up one spot and entered the tournament.
“It’s not something you set out to do. I’m proud of my game and what I’ve put into it. Jack is the only one who has surpassed 100, and he’s way above it,” Scott said.
The body and perseverance
Justin Rose, who played 48 in a row until an injury in 2022, highlights Scott’s physical condition: “He is very flexible, strong. He hits so well that he does not subject his body to enormous stress.”
Scott Scheffler, with the same trainer, remembers when Scott tried a deadlift by arching his back instead of using his legs: “He should have broken his back. He’s hyperflexible. Very few people are built like that.”
Scott has won 29 times worldwide, including the 2013 Masters, and was world number one. Now he has another achievement: being in a category that only Nicklaus occupies.
“Even playing 100 majors in a career is amazing, but 100 in a row? You have to be at a very high level and have no injuries, and everything aligns: children, health…” McIlroy said. Scott doubts that many more will join this club: “The modern game demands power and bodies wear out. Tiger pushed himself so hard that he couldn’t keep up.”
For now, Scott is looking for a trophy at Shinnecock Hills, not a tribute. But value the path traveled.
