Scott shows swagger in victory with Williams on bag

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AKRON, Ohio -- Adam Scott is a big tennis fan. He loves to play, and he particularly enjoys watching Rafael Nadal, the fiery Spanish clay court master, whenever he can, in person or on TV.

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So on Sunday when Scott had a chance to win the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, the Aussie played with the same kind of passion the 13-time Grand Slam champion displays as he pulled away to a four-stroke victory.

Scott was nothing short of phenomenal on the back nine at Firestone Country Club as he broke open a tight battle with four birdies and a clutch 10-foot par save on the 15th hole on the way to a flawless 65. The 31-year-old finished at 17 under as he won for the eighth time on the PGA TOUR and 19th time around the globe.

"I played at a very high level today given the circumstances," Scott acknowledged. "Not everything was perfect. I hit a few loose shots, but it was pretty sharp. And it was like we're used to seeing Tiger close out tournaments. He gets in front and just won't let anyone in. I think the putt on 15, that is certainly a putt that he makes when he's in that position.

"I feel like you've got to play like a bulldog to win a golf tournament these days. ... You can't let up on one shot, and that's how you win golf tournaments, because everyone is so good these days."

Scott, who climbed to 15th in the FedExCup standings with the win, was just that much better, beating the No. 1 player in the world, Luke Donald, and Rickie Fowler, one of the game's most promising youngsters, by four. Jason Day, the 23-year-old who has twice been runner-up in majors this year, and Ryo Ishikawa, the 19-year-old Japanese phenom, were another stroke back in a tie for fourth.

"I walked on the range this morning, and he looked confident," Day said. "I knew he was going to be tough to beat today."

So did Steve Williams, who was caddying in his fourth event for Scott. He had previously worked for Tiger Woods, and the two won seven tournaments at Firestone alone, as well as teammed for 13 of Woods' 14 majors.

"I sort of believe in destiny sometimes," Williams said. "I had no doubt in my mind this morning on the range. Adam hit it so good ... I knew it was our day."

The emotional Williams called Sunday's title the "most satisfying win I've ever had. There's no two ways about it." Williams has clearly been good for Scott, whom he considers a long-time friend. The Kiwi, who has caddied 33 years for the likes of Greg Norman and Raymond Floyd as well as Woods, says he wouldn't have gone to work for Scott if he didn't think the Aussie had major game.

"These tournaments here are very high quality tournaments," Williams said. "This is a very difficult golf course, a very good golf course and it's not that different from a major championship. If you can win on a course like this, there's nothing to say you can't win a major. The challenge is what makes this job great."

Scott said Williams' knowledge of Firestone was instrumental to his victory. Maybe more important, though, was the sense of confidence -- maybe even a little swagger -- that the caddy has brought out in the soft-spoken Aussie. Nowhere was that more evident than at the 18th hole on Sunday as Williams talked Scott into hitting a 6-iron straight at the pin and produced his final birdie.

"Obviously we all know his personality in those situations," Scott said. "... It's almost like I need to show him, I've got it in me, because a lot of people question it. I can show him on the golf course that I'm right up for it, as well."

Two years ago, that confidence was sagging, though. Scott's game deserted him, and the one-time top-10 player in the world was having trouble trusting his own instincts, much less sorting through the well-meaning advice of others. The Aussie missed more cuts than he made during the 2009 season, including six in a row at one point, and he even broke a 7-iron in anger during the second round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance -- a first for the gentleman Scott.

"And of course (I) needed it about four more times that day," Scott recalled wryly. "But unless something changes, (I knew) I shouldn't play golf. I need to change, one, my attitude, and two, my game, or I shouldn't be out here because I've missed so many cuts. ... It was a waste of time being there that week."

Scott eventually opted to part ways with his long-time swing coach Butch Harmon and began working with his brother-in-law, Brad Malone, whom he credited Sunday with helping him right the ship. More recently, he parted ways with Tony Navarro, his caddy for the last seven years, and Williams was there to step in.

Scott, who only has finished in the top 10 in five of the 42 majors he's played, feels he has the pieces in place now to help him take the next step. He took one on Sunday at Firestone, and he's looking eagerly toward the final major of the year this week in Atlanta.

"That's the goal is to give myself a chance to win these big events," Scott said. "It's what I've wanted to do my whole career, and for whatever reason I haven't performed my best. But I really feel like I've got a good plan in place to get myself ready for these events. ...

"As far as going into next week, it's just a confidence boost, really. ... It's not easy to win, and the year was slipping away from me here. Hopefully I can take this form and play my way in with a chance next week."

Rafa would be proud.