Adam Scott eyes third Genesis Invitational title in LA

Two-time champion Adam Scott says he feels like he's playing at home in Australia when he tees up at the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles.

Adam Scott.
Adam Scott. Picture: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Feeling like it's home sweet home, ageless Adam Scott is pumped to chase an Arnold Palmer-like third Genesis Invitational title on his favourite stop on the PGA Tour.

Turning 44 this year, Scott is very much one of the tour's elder statesmen.

But Australia's former world No.1 doesn't feel like he's slowing down and enters this week on the back of a tie for eighth at the Phoenix Open after a top-20 showing in his first event of the year at Pebble Beach.

"Staying healthy, I'm in good shape," Scott said in a video call from Los Angeles on Wednesday.

"Just comparing myself to some of the guys who are playing at the top of the game - if you're looking at numbers and things like this, which we do a lot now, I think I'm relevant.

"But it's about executing it and I have to do a little better job to think I'm one of the best players in the world at the moment.

"But I for sure think I've got a couple more years unless all of a sudden my numbers start tapering off quickly."

His numbers at Riviera, where Scott boasts two wins and seven top-10s in 15 previous appearances, are extra special.

Only legends Hogan - who won what was then known as the Los Angeles Open for a third time at almost 40 - Ben Hogan, dual Masters champion Bubba Watson, Lloyd Mangrum and Macdonald Smith have etched their names on the trophy more times.

"It's always a highlight of my year playing here. I love this track and I love this event," Scott said.

"I'm lucky enough to have won it twice and it's my favourite event I play on tour, so I'm so thankful to be a sponsor's invite this week and get the chance to have another go around Riviera."

Bing Crosby and Clark Gable are among the Hollywood stars to have frequented the near-century-old tournament down the years.

But it's not the glitz and glamour that appeals to Scott.

"I don't think too many people would argue that it's a great designed golf course," he said.

"But there are other things. I've played nicely here, so I have good feelings about that.

"I have feelings like I'm in Australia when I play the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th holes.

"The eucalyptus trees kind of smell like it does in Australia, the grass is similar, the weather can be similar as well; nice weather here in LA.

"I just have this certain level of comfort. There's more than just purely a great golf course for me."

Scott hasn't tasted tournament success since winning the Genesis Invitational in 2020.

The veteran is among three Australians in the field, with Jason Day and Cam Davis also teeing it up at the Tiger Woods-hosted Signature $US20 million ($A31 million) event starting on Thursday.