Tale of a Broken Pinky Finger

First it was Tiger Woods’ knee. Now it’s the pinky finger on Adam Scott’s right hand. And suddenly that dream Thursday-Friday grouping at next week’s U.S. Open has another major question mark.
 
GOLF CHANNEL confirmed Saturday that Scott, the No. 3 ranked player in the world, broke the finger three weeks ago in an incident that involved his hand and the slamming of a car door.
 
Scott hasn’t played since finishing a disappointing tie for 54th at THE PLAYERS early last month. Sources say he didn’t pick up a club until a few days ago although he did play at Torrey Pines South Saturday.
 
Scott is still expected to play in next week’s Open at Torrey Pines. But, said a source close to the Scott camp, “the problem is that his practice is limited.”
 
The other player in the Woods-Scott grouping next week is world No. 2 Phil Mickelson. Butch Harmon, who coaches both Mickelson and Scott, said both his players are looking forward to playing in Woods' company.
 
Asked Saturday about the Scott injury, Harmon said, “No comment.”
 
Scott won the EDS Byron Nelson Championship earlier this year in a playoff. But his record in major championships has been a disappointment.
 
In the six U.S. Opens he has played in, Scott has missed the cut four times including last year at Oakmont. His best finish in our national championship was a T-21 at Winged Foot in 2006. His best finish in any major was a tie for third at the 2006 PGA Championship.
 
At Torrey Pines Woods, barring a withdrawal, will be playing in his first event since The Masters. Two days after the conclusion of that tournament, he underwent left knee surgery. Woods finished second at Augusta to Trevor Immelman. Scott tied for 25th in that event.
 
Harmon was at Torrey Pines Friday where he caddied for singer Justin Timberlake in a made-for-TV NBC match that will air next week.
 
He reported that the golf course is in perfect shape and predicted a winning score of between 284 and 287. Par will be 71 at this U.S. Open. “I don’t think anybody will be below par,” Harmon said.
 
Harmon added that the first cut of rough is playable. “You have to get lucky with your lie in the second cut,” he said. “And if you wind up in the third cut, you’ve got no chance.”
 
All of which throws into question the chances of Woods, Scott and any other player nursing injuries next week. Deep rough and mending knees or fingers don’t usually mix.
 
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