Adam Scott recorded his 100th straight start in a major championship when he teed off at the U.S. Open on Thursday, joining one of the most exclusive clubs in men's professional golf.
Scott is just the second man ever to accomplish the feat, joining only Jack Nicklaus, who holds the record at 146 straight majors.
The 45-year-old admitted Tuesday he hadn't previously spent much time thinking about the milestone, but that changed as this week's event at Shinnecock Hills drew closer.
"It's resonated a little bit more with me the last few days, and from people close to me, to my sponsors and partners, I'm so appreciative of everyone recognizing this," Scott told reporters.
"Since Pinehurst a couple years ago, it kind of was on my radar. Earlier this year, as I wasn't automatically qualified for this event, it became a bit of a weight on my shoulders making sure I got here. It's been fun. I had a photograph with Jack Nicklaus a couple of weeks ago at his Memorial Tournament, and he's the other guy who made it to a hundred in a row."
Scott hasn't missed a major since the 2001 Open Championship. Notably, several players in this week's field weren't even born when the Australian started his streak, including 18-year-old Mason Howell, who played in the group behind Scott on Thursday.
During the 25-year stretch, Scott has made 74 of 99 cuts at majors, with 20 top-10 finishes, two runner-up showings, and a dramatic 2013 win at the Masters.
What's the secret behind his strong form?
"I would say probably overall a certain level of focus has been required over the 25 years to maintain, I'll call it golf at this elite level, major championship level," Scott said.
"I think there are lots of little things you could break down after that, but I'm quite proud that I've managed to keep my focus this long and keep pushing through. Obviously, not all years and all weeks out here are easy, and you're playing full of confidence, manage to keep it all together for a long time."
It'll be a lengthy period before Scott and Nicklaus have company. Jordan Spieth is the only man with a streak of at least 50 straight major starts, with this week marking his 53rd.
