They say shaving says a lot about a man. For the normally clean-cut Adam Scott, the extra stubble spotted on his face during today’s practice round at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is further proof that he intends on making 2022 a year of change.
A switch in his New Year playing schedule and rumours of his long-standing equipment contract coming to an end has come as a shock to many who follow the 41-year-old. His on-off relationship with putters aside, Scott has never been one to mix things up in any aspect of his life. But on the eve of his 2022 tournament debut, the Queenslander pulled his hairiest manoeuvre yet:
Adam, is that YOU?
The last time Scotty rocked up to an event anywhere with his facial surface running at a sluggish 5 on the Stimpmeter, the mulleted-Cameron Smith was still in nappies, probably.
Just how his millions of admirers take to his new rugged look will be fascinating. However, it appears former Aussie LPGA Tour star-turned broadcaster Jane Crafter is one who is still to be convinced.
So how long will Scott keep the scruff going? And will superstition set in if he goes on an absolute tear with his newfound hair? Could we see Beef Johnson-levels of growth by The Masters? So many questions and still so much potential for growth…
Scott will tee it up in the Dubai Desert Classic for the first time in 20 years later this month. He and fellow hair-raiser Tommy Fleetwood are the latest star names confirmed for the January 27-30 event which will be staged as one of the DP World Tour’s elite, $8 million Rolex Series events for the first time. They join reigning Race to Dubai and Open champion Collin Morikawa, two time Dubai champion Rory McIlroy, defending champion Paul Casey and the former winner and 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia.
Scott’s 11 DP World Tour wins include two Qatar Masters titles and most recently the 2019 Australian PGA Championship.
“I’ve made a bit of a change to my schedule, going back to what I used to do early in my career by starting in the Middle East,” he said.
“It doesn’t seem quite as long as 20 years since I last teed it up at Emirates Golf Club, but I’m certainly looking forward to experiencing the tournament again. I’ve had a couple of wins in the region over the years and it would be fantastic to add one more this month.”
