Adam Scott.

Currently ranked number six in the world, and with youth and fierce determination on his side, Australian golfer Adam Scott has all the makings of a world champion. With five PGA Tour wins and seven European and Asian titles to his name, the 27-year-old’s consistent power game is proving to be a formidable weapon on the pro golf circuit. Away from the fairway, Scott’s matinee idol looks ensure this Adelaide-born boy is a hot crowd favourite. We caught up with him fresh from the Singapore Open.

You’ve been touted as the next Greg Norman. Do you see that as extra pressure or do you just take it as a compliment?
Definitely a compliment. He has been great for the game of golf and his career is something I would love to emulate.

Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson and most of the Tour are aged over 30. Is your younger age an advantage?
Not really. The most valuable asset in golf is experience. I’m gaining more and more but so are those guys and they already have more!

Many golfers become obsessed with the sport, which is notoriously difficult to master. How do you relax away from the course and keep a cool head?
You must be able to get away from the game or you’ll go insane. It is so mentally challenging that it can take its toll. I like to go surfing whenever possible, sometimes during tournaments if I can. That’s my way of relaxing, I love the water.

Which is the strongest part of your game – your short or long game? And how often do you practise when you’re not playing in a tournament?
My long game is definitely the strongest. I’m a good driver and long iron player. My practice changes a lot depending if I’m working on something specific or not. I won’t spend much time on the range if I’m swinging well. I try and spend most of my time around the chipping and putting green.

Your profession takes you all over the world. Do you enjoy the travelling and do you have time to sightsee?
I love to travel, although by the end of the year I’m ready to get home and stay put for a few weeks. There is not always as much time to sightsee as I would hope.

Which are your top five favourite courses in Australia?
Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath and the Metropolitan [all in Melbourne], New South Wales Golf Course and Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania.

If you weren’t playing golf, what career path do you think you would have taken?
Maybe I would have pursued tennis.

Now that the golf circuit is being shortened, the Americans will have more time to come over to play in Australia and Asia. How will that change the competition and does that give you an extra incentive to win?
Hopefully it will just make the events stronger in Asia and Australia. I don’t need incentive to win!

Who are your best friends in golf?
My father: Geoff Ogilvy is my best mate on tour.

Can you offer any handy tips to young golfers trying to make this a profession?
Do whatever it takes to become a great chipper and putter.

What are your plans for Christmas?
A quiet one with my family.

One for the ladies: is there any special person in your life?
No comment. [Which leaves us to say, he’s fair game! Ed.]

Catch Adam Scott in action at the Cadbury Schweppes Australian PGA Championship at Hyatt Regency, Sunshine Coast Queensland, on 13–16 Dec.