Scott brings Tiger-ish swagger into wide-open PGA

With a Tiger Woods-ish swagger and inspiration from tennis star Rafael Nadal, Adam Scott has put himself among a host of contenders seeking a first major title at the 93rd PGA Championship. The 31-year-old Australian, a Masters runner-up in April, has new confidence ahead of Thursday's start of the year's last major at Atlanta Athletic Club after winning the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational. "You've got to play like a bulldog to win a golf tournament these days," Scott said. "It was like we're used to seeing Tiger close out tournaments. He gets in front and just won't let anyone in. "And I like watching tennis, so I watch Rafa play and that's what you've got to play like. You've got to go for everything. You can't let up on one shot. That's how you win golf tournaments, because everyone is so good these days." Boosting Scott's more aggressive tone in a bid for a major breakthrough is new caddie Steve Williams, fired by Woods last month after they had worked together during 13 of the former world number one's 14 career major titles. "He's right up for it," Scott said. "Obviously we all know his personality in those situations. It's almost like I need to show him, I've got it in me, because a lot of people question it. I can show him on the golf course that I'm right up for it as well." England's Lee Westwood, trying to become the fourth player in a row managed by "Chubby" Chandler to win a major title, relishes the long 7,467-yard layout and dense rough on offer at Atlanta Athletic Club. "That's good the way I'm hitting the ball," Westwood said. "The harder the better." World No. 1 Luke Donald of England struggled with the putter last week but hopes this will be the week his work on the greens comes together as he, like Westwood, tries for a first major victory. "I'm not going to worry too much about the putter. I've always felt like I'm a good putter and those things will come around," he said. "I've just got to keep being patient and keep giving myself opportunities. That's all I can do." Woods resumes his chase of the all-time record 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus after missing the US and British Opens with left leg injuries suffered at the Masters. He had not played a full round since April until last week. "I'm still struggling with my alignment and trusting the fact that the ball doesn't shape as much as it used to," Woods said after going one-over par over 72 holes, saying the effort left him "absolutely encouraged for the PGA." No American has won a major title since Phil Mickelson at last year's Masters, the longest US win drought in majors history. But after sharing second with Donald at the WGC event, Rickie Fowler has renewed confidence. "It's up there," he said. "Having the stretch I've had coming into the PGA Championship, it's definitely the best I've been playing going into a major." US Open champion Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland is ready for the extra attention in his first US major since taking his first elite-level title in June at Congressional Country Club. "I'm fine with it," he said. "I'm playing well. I'm really happy with the way I'm hitting it and driving it a lot better than I have done the last couple weeks, so yeah, I'm ready for it." He will play alongside fellow Northern Irishman Darren Clarke, who won the British Open last month, and Masters winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa in the feature group during the first two rounds. But another group to watch will be Scott and teen titans Ryo Ishikawa of Japan and Matteo Manassero of Italy. Ishikawa stayed with Scott at times in the WGC event and is hoping to peak for the scorching heat of Atlanta. "I would like to play 100 percent in the coming tournament," Ishikawa said. "I will be able to play with Adam before the finals and in the long run, I would like to be able to play for a championship." The teen stars will have a prime position to see if Scott's swagger can produce the same results as that of Woods in his prime. "It's good to see him back on top," said Aussie Jason Day, who shared second with Scott at Augusta and was second alone to McIlroy at the US Open. "There was a moment there for a little bit where he was just struggling a little bit with his confidence."