Adam Scott switches back to long putter for Masters

For now, the broomstick will keep sweeping putts in the hands of 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott.

Scott opened his 2015 campaign using a short putter but recently switched back to the long putter he used in becoming the first Australian to win the Masters.

“I’m coming to a major,” Scott said. “I’m not here to throw balls up in the air and see where they fall. I want to make sure and give myself the best chance to perform at the highest level I need to win.”

Scott said the switch from the short putter is no biggie.

“I just switched up for three weeks now, so to go back was a piece of cake,” Scott said. “And really two days’ practice with it and I felt like I was at the levels I was at last year, which are very high, and that was the reason for it.”

Scott said the change “most likely” will last through 2015. Anchored putters will be banned starting Jan. 1, 2016.

“You know this doesn’t mean I won’t work on other things or continue to develop some alternative method of putting, because obviously there is a change being made at the end of the year,” Scott said. “But I need to continue to perform well. I want the confidence to build and go into next year fully confident no matter what I’m doing. So I’ve got time up my sleeve and it’s a bit of a process and that’s fine.”

Scott said playing under the radar amid Tiger Woods mania, Bubba Watson going for a third green jacket in four years and Rory Mcllroy’s roll “has suited him nicely.”

He meant no controversy when asked to name some possible favorites this year and didn’t list Tiger.

“With Tiger, anything is possible,” Scott said shortly after.

Scott stated several times that being a Masters champion has its perks.

“I think coming back here is always a special feeling no matter when you get the invitation to come play,” he said. “But since winning it’s been so much more to me. It’s been an incredible two years since winning of trying to immerse myself in the tournament and the golf club even more than I had before. I’ve enjoyed that thoroughly.”

He also enjoyed a round of golf last Sunday at Augusta National with his dad. Past champions are allowed to bring a guest along to play the famous course.

“It’s been a lot of fun to be able to play with my dad here the last couple years,” Scott said. “But I think mom’s looking for a hit next year.”