Jordan Spieth rates Adam Scott the biggest threat

On Tuesday Jordan Spieth labelled Australian Adam Scott as his greatest threat. And yesterday Scott gave credence to the world number one and defending Australian Open champion’s comment by monstering the Australian Club with 10 birdies in the pro-am.

Scott didn’t putt out on every hole, adding “I stopped counting the birdies in case I used up too many”.

Playing two groups behind the Scott foursome was Patrick Effeney, The Roar‘s editor. He was in the Nick O’Hern group.

“Adam was smokin’ them all day,” Effeney said, “And so was Nick who didn’t miss a fairway.”

If Scott can keep his quality golf high, there couldn’t be a better pairing than Spieth and the former world number one in the final group come Sunday.

But there’s no room for the third-round 77 Scott carded in last week’s Australian Masters at Huntingdale.

With the Australian course in immaculate condition and the greens likely to firm up in the heat of the day, it’s all set up for a crackerjack tournament.

Just to add some spice there will be 12 Australian Open champions apart from Spieth in the field.

Among them are four two-time champions – Peter Senior 1989 and 2012, Robert Allenby 1994 and 2005, Greg Chalmers 1998 and 2011, with Peter Lonard 2003 and 2004.

The other eight – Peter Fowler 1983, Lee Westwood 1997, Stuart Appleby 2001, Steve Allan 2002, John Senden 2006, Craig Parry 2007, Scott 2009, and Geoff Ogilvy 2010.

But all eyes will be on Spieth who readily admits winning the Australian Open last year, finishing in a flurry with a course record eight-under 63, was the launching pad for his spectacular 2015.

Winning the US Masters and US Open, finishing a shot out of the play-off at the British Open, finishing second to Jason Day at the PGA Championship and taking out the $10 million FedExCup was almost the ultimate year.

Spieth didn’t have a happy Presidents Cup by his lofty standards, but it’s back to business this week.

And with the world’s best caddy Steve Williams back on Scott’s bag, expect plenty of fireworks.

There will be a lot of support for Senior, who with Fowler will be the senior citizen in the field at 56.

Senior has already written himself off with the Australian a far tougher, longer, and tighter course than Huntingdale where Senior won his third Masters gold jacket last week.

But don’t be fooled, Senior will always be a contender as he will hit most fairways and greens, with his broomstick putter the only unknown factor.

If he putts well, he will be in contention come Sunday.