Steve Scott returns to Q-School

Sometimes Steve Scott has to remind people he's only 25.

Six years have passed since Scott lost that duel with Tiger Woods in one of the U.S. Amateur's most dramatic final matches, and the acclaim Scott gained remains both wonderful and burdensome.

With Woods chasing down Jack Nicklaus in a quest to be known as the game's greatest player, Scott is quietly working for the chance to be called a PGA Tour rookie. Wednesday, he takes his biggest step in that direction when he tees it up for the first time in the final stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament at PGA West in LaQuinta, Calif.

The upside to taking Woods to extra holes in that U.S. Amateur playoff has been considerable, but the downside is the pressure that comes knowing people expected him to be on the PGA Tour by now. He turned pro a little more than three years ago. In three previous Q School attempts, he failed to make it past first stage twice.

"After the Tiger match, people probably expected me to become a pro at 19," Scott said. "I'm only 25. I think the timing is good. I always told myself I would get out on Tour when I was ready. I didn't have all the pieces of the puzzle when I turned pro. I'm older now, more mature. I've had plenty disappointment, and I've had some great things happen to me. It's been a little bit of a journey, but I think I have a good perspective on the game."

Scott's journey took him to the Canadian Tour the past two years, where he won once each season. His 69.98 scoring average ranked third this year.

A former state champion at Coral Springs High and All-American at Florida, Scott knows no matter what happens this week he has taken a step forward by making it to the final stage of Q School. By advancing through second stage, he assured himself of at least conditional status on the Nationwide Tour, formerly Buy.com, next year.

The top 15 players on the Nationwide Tour's money list earn promotions to the PGA Tour, and there have been discussions about increasing that number to 20.

Still, this week, Scott is focusing on a PGA Tour card with the top 35 and ties after six rounds earning fully exempt playing privileges on the Tour. The next 50 and ties earn fully exempt Nationwide Tour status.

"I felt like I got over a big hurdle at second stage," said Scott, who lives in Royal Palm Beach. "Before I even start the final stage, I feel more at ease knowing I have a 50-50 chance of getting fully exempt status somewhere next year."

Scott has improved under swing coach Martin Hall of Ibis Golf & Country Club in West Palm Beach, and he has been helped by noted sports psychologist Richard Coop.

"Steve is immensely talented," Hall said. "As gifted as he is, all he needs is a place to play and he will prove himself."

If Scott wins his PGA Tour card this week, he will consider it a family victory. His wife, Kristi, is caddying for him. She's a certified LPGA instructor. His older brother, Roger, is a personal trainer who has put him through a rigorous workout regimen.

"Kristi is my traveling coach," Scott said. "Roger has beaten me to death with his workouts."

Endurance is proving to be one of Scott's strong points.

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