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Rory McIlroy’s stunning record could be overtaken by Adam Scott win at Oakmont

Originally posted on HITC | By Lee Connor | Last updated Jun 15, 2025 3:25 PM ET

If Adam Scott lifts the US Open trophy, he’ll eclipse an important milestone in the Northern Irishman’s career

Scott heads into the final round at three under, right in the hunt, and is set to play in the final group alongside Sam Burns.

It’s fair to say Scott’s surge up the leaderboard has come out of the blue, but with just one shot separating him from the lead, this might be the golden opportunity he’s been waiting for to add a second major to his name.

While Scott already has that experience under his belt, having claimed the green jacket at the 2013 Masters, those around him can’t quite say the same.

Sam Burns is short on experience, but you can’t say the same for Viktor Hovland and J.J. Spaun, with both having found themselves in this position before.

12 years ago at Augusta, Scott was celebrating his biggest career win to date. Now, he finds himself on the cusp of completing what many in the sport have failed to do.

Adam Scott’s path to overtaking Rory McIlroy at the US Open

Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images

While most players would be thrilled to win just one major title in their career, Adam Scott has his sights set on claiming a second.

Adam Scott, already holding a 2013 Masters title, now has a chance not only to win his first US Open at Oakmont but also to cement his place in golf history.

If Scott wins, it will mark the longest gap between major victories in the sport’s history.

With a 2013 Masters win in his back pocket, another win at Oakmont would be huge for the Australian golfer, considering 12 years have passed since his last major win.

Rory McIlroy finally ended his nearly 11-year drought by winning the Masters earlier this year, having last lifted a major trophy at the 2014 PGA Championship.

At 44, Scott may not get too many chances like this again.

The longest gaps between major wins in golf history

There has been no shortage of major droughts, with McIlroy having recently snapped an 11-year stretch between major wins. While some might not consider him number one given factors like the timing of his wins between the PGA in 2014 and the Masters in 2025, it’s hard to argue with the pain that comes with a major drought.

Player	Gap between major wins
Rory McIlroy	11 years (2014-2025)
Henry Cotton	11 years (1937-1948)
Julius Boros	11 years (1952-1963)
Hale Irwin	11 years (1979-1990)
Ben Crenshaw	11 years (1984-1995)
Tiger Woods	11 years (2008-2019)
Lee Trevino	10 years (1974-1984)
Ernie Els	10 years (2002-2012)

After 96 consecutive starts in a major, a win for Scott here wouldn’t just be a number, it would be a symbol that persistence and determination matter.

While Americans might be pulling for Spaun or Burns, many believe the rest of the world, and even purists of the sport, will have their eyes set on Scott pulling off something that few would have ever seen coming.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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