Adam Scott: ‘Rory McIlroy Spurs Me And Raises My Game’

Rory McIlroy's ascend to golf's number one spot started last year at the Australian Open. The Irishman used a come-from-behind win last year in the tournament to jumpstart a run of successful showings this year resulting to two wins at the majors and a victory at the European Tour's Race to Dubai.

Heading into this year's Australian Open, the current number one champion is still the major draw of the tournament but not far off is the sort of homecoming for hometown hero Adam Scott. The said tournament will also provide the opportunity for the hometown hero to exact revenge from McIlroy. The Australian Open was supposed to be the showdown between the number 1 and 2 players in the world only for Henrik Stenson who relegated Scott to a second spot status after last week's win the last event of the European Tour. Nevertheless, Sydney will still focus on the rivals given that McIlroy snatched the opportunity from Scott last year by recovering from four shots adrift to claim his only tournament win in 2013.

The Australian golf hero does not think of the revenge angle but rather is respectful of the achievements and strides McIlroy has made dating back to last year. This would also be the first time that both players will be playing in the same tournament and Scott was clear of his appreciation on how the current best player is raising his game to another level.

"It is a big thing, absolutely. I would like to get it [No1] back. I believe Rory and myself have the ability to really separate and I would welcome anybody else as part of that challenge. This summer Rory has lifted the bar again and it is good when people do that. It spurs me along. Hopefully I can raise my game and push everyone else along," Scott said speaking to reporters at the Australian Golf Club on Wednesday.

Besides looking forward to the rivalry, Scott was also appreciative on how the media has attributed the national interest in golf to his resurgence. The 34-year-old Adelade native hopes that his play in the upcoming tournament will keep the ball rolling along with McIlroy and Jordan Sapieth, whose presence will boost more attention to the golfing scene. He asserts that winning cures a lot of things and credits his popularity to being the first Australian to capture the Masters.

The hometown kid is also using the opportunity to play at home to visit his family and friends in time for the Christmas season. Scott is with his wife, Marie to celebrate the festivities with his countrymen and hopefully, deliver the hometown win.