• The Masters

Scott hails 'phenomenal' McIlroy

ESPN staff
April 3, 2012
Scott will have Tiger Woods' former caddie Steve Williams on his bag in Augusta © Getty Images
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Adam Scott believes Rory McIlroy is a better golfer now than he was when he won the US Open in emphatic fashion last June.

The Australian, who finished runner-up to Charl Schwartzel at last year's Masters as McIlroy imploded to throw away a four-stroke lead in the final round, says the 22-year-old may be haunted by the memories of his final round of 80.

But the manner in which the Northern Irishman bounced back, winning the US Open by eight strokes with a record score just two months later, is testament to his mental strength.

"He handled that better than anyone else could have probably - fantastic," Scott said. "He's great. He bounced back and won the US Open and he's become a better player since then. I mean, absolutely, Rory is a phenomenon, really."

Scott, looking to go one better at Augusta National this weekend, will have Tiger Woods' former caddie Steve Williams on his bag, hoping to tap into the Australian's role in the 13 majors he claimed with Woods.

"It doesn't matter where I go, it seems, with Steve. He's got a lot of experience everywhere," added Scott. "He's been caddying 30-plus years and he's obviously been very successful everywhere.

"He's got a great knowledge of this golf course and hopefully at some point there's going to be that time when his knowledge shines through for us. It's the same every week. He's a very motivated guy and out here to compete."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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