Sports

Deutsche Bank Championship: FedEx Cup Leaders Draw a Crowd

Adam Scott, who won the first Deutsche Bank Championship in 2003, drew Tiger Wood and Phil Mickelson as playing partners in the first two rounds.

Adam Scott is hardly just another guy. 

He's celebrating the 10th anniversary of winning the first Deutsche Bank Championship in 2003 in Norton.

Scott won the Masters in April and the first leg of the FedEx Cup at the Barclays in New Jersey last weekend. 

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He's also second behind Tiger Woods in the FedEx Cup standings, just ahead of Phil Mickelson.

Despite all this, he wasn't claiming the No. 1 or No. 2 spot in his group Friday and he won't be doing it when he tees off Saturday in Round 2 on the first hole at 1:10 p.m.

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So, who are those other guys in his group?

One is Woods, who is the No. 1 golfer is the world and a fan favorite at the TPC-Boston in Norton. The tournament benefits his foundation and this is like a home event for him. Like Scott, he's a past champion, winning in 2006.

Next to him is the 2007 champion Mickelson, who has a lot of fans in the Norton galleries.

"I'm sure it is going to be noisy out there," said Scott after the Pro-Am Thursday, "but it will be a fun experience."

The trio easily had the largest gallery following them through the 18 holes Friday.

Scott said played with Woods and Mickelson in the 2008 US 0pen and he calls it one of the best experiences of his golfing career.

"The build up to that event was huge," he said. "And just be the third wheel in that group was really something I'll remember forever.

"They're the big show and it's fun to be involved in that atmosphere. I think I've learned to enjoy being a part of all that and gotten somewhat comfortable with it."

Mickelson jumped out to a first lead with a 63, including a 28 on the back nine to start his round. Woods is tied for 34th at -3, while Scott struggled at two over and is tied for 87th overall.

After his round, Mickelson was asked whether playing with Woods brings out the best in him?

"After today, it's hard to think any differently," Mickelson said with a smile. 

Now, back to the other guy...

Scott's career run has gone in the same direction as Deutsche Bank Championship, gaining in stature each year. When he won the first Deutsche Bank, he was one of the raising stars on the PGA as a then-23-year-old. 

"I think I was only looking up at that point when I sat here winning on the Tour for the first time and just imagined it would probably be a lot easier to win," said the 33-year-old Scott. "i think I have a better understanding of what I need to do to keep it happening now than 10 years ago."

With his history in Norton, you can see why Scott always looks forward to the coming here.

 "I've really enjoyed playing the course the last few years," he said. "I think the changes they made have really settled in and matured. It's a pleasure to play here, so I'm looking forward to this week."

That's why he doesn't mind being the "other guy" for a couple of rounds.


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