A reinvigorated Adam Scott says his new putting grip is here to stay after a hot performance on the greens on day one at the Farmers Insurance Open in California.
The smooth-swinging former world No.1, who has previously struggled on the greens, adopted an arm-lock grip several days before the US PGA Tour event at Torrey Pines.
Scott had just 28 putts during a two-under-par 70 on the brutal South course at Torrey Pines and he sits eight shots back of leader Jon Rahm (62).
Spanish world No.7 Rahm, the 2017 winner, mixed seven birdies, two eagles and a bogey for a 62 on the easier North course.
Rahm will take a one-shot lead over Doug Ghim and world No.1 Justin Rose (both 63) into Friday's second round, while three-time major winner Jordan Spieth is seven under having posted a 65.
An arm-lock grip involves a golfer using a longer putter and resting the putter against the forearm of the lead arm.
Scott insists he will continue it after draining several birdie and par putts on Torrey Pines' slick greens, needing only four putts in his final four holes - including a birdie-birdie finish.
"It felt great. Today's round could have gone the other way but I made a couple really good saves," Scott said.
"To finish with four one-putts, it's definitely continuing this grip and seeing what happens."
The 13-time PGA Tour winner also left the flagstick in the hole for the majority of his putts, which only became legal under golf's rules on January 1.
Under previous rules, leaving the flag in when putting from the green incurred a two-stroke penalty.
"The only putt I didn't leave it in was on the 10th hole and that was because I forgot to put it back in," Scott said.
"I feel it gives you a backboard within the hole and really frees the stroke."
