World No.1 Adam Scott has been the model of consistency everywhere except the US Open over the last few years, but he says things will be different this time around.
As Scott prepares for his first major championship as the world's highest ranked golfer he has vowed to prove at Pinehurst that he's better than his US Open resume reads.
In 12 attempts, Scott has missed six cuts and while he has top-three finishes at the other three majors, including his win at Augusta in 2013, his best US Open finish is a tie for 15th in 2012.
Despite hiccups in this championship he was the best golfer in relation to par across the four majors in 2012 and 2013.
US Opens are always tough but Scott has just one career round in the 60s, a 69 in the 2009 opening round, and averages a pretty dismal 73.58.
Tiger Woods averages 71.34 in his US Open career, while the last four champions in Justin Rose (72.5), Webb Simpson (71.33), Rory McIlroy (71.63) and Graeme McDowell (72.67) have also shown a much higher consistency in golf's toughest test.
"Certainly I haven't had the best record at the US Open," Scott said on tournament eve.
"Maybe it's coincidence but I certainly feel like where my game's at now, and the past few years, I should be able to compete here.
"I'm trying to build a game that can play anywhere, so it's a good week for me to kind of turn the corner and get in contention."
Scott is hoping his precision off the tee and into the treacherous turtleback greens will give him an edge.
He's ranked third in total driving on the US PGA tour this season and fifth in ball-striking, and he leads the way in the all-around category.
"You can say it is the least intimidating off the tee as far as US Opens I've played," Scott said of his confidence.
"If I play to my strengths and strike the ball well, I think hitting a few extra greens this week is going to be really handy when you start adding up your score."
Four weeks into his stint at world No.1, Scott isn't ready to give up the mantle without a fight.
Swede Henrik Stenson and American Bubba Watson could possibly take away the status with a victory, and countryman Jason Day has made no secret of his desire to chase his good mate down.
Scott is paired with Watson and another Masters winner, Charl Schwartzel, for the opening two rounds.
"It's been fun to be No.1 and I can certainly, with a good week here, maybe cement that position a little bit longer," Scott said.
"I don't wake up on a daily basis thinking about staying No.1, I have been thinking about trying to play Pinehurst, but it all goes hand in hand.
"It has been fun because for a long time I wasn't even close so for Jason and Bubba and all the other guys I'm sure the chase is fun for them to."
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