Champions League Final injury almost shut the door on Scott's US Open

Sandman: Adam Scott splashes out at Torrey Pines

The injury was diagnosed as a broken bone under the knuckle of  his little
finger and the first specialist he consulted told him to rest for six weeks.

So Scott flew home to Australia for a second opinion, and found another doctor
who said he could continue playing while the bone healed.

That convinced the world number three he was okay to proceed with his US Open
ambitions but he practised only sparingly in preparation for yesterday's opening
round.

Scott had no chance to ease quietly with Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in
attendance but he acquitted himself decently, carding a  two-over-par 73 at
Torrey Pines.

"I was a little anxious how I was going to play," Scott  admitted.  "I'm
swinging the club as good as I have this year.

"There were some nerves there for sure, but I enjoyed it. I hit some nice
shots early and it was a calming start."

Intimidating: Scott (left) with playing partners Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson

Scott, who uses an overlapping grip, admitted that he would not have been able
to take his place in the field if he played with  an interlocking grip.

"The lucky thing is it didn't break into the joint," he said.

"It's just broken across the bone. The bone hasn't healed yet, but I've got
enough strength to play."

And after he plays this week, Scott is planning to take at least three weeks.

"It heals itself but the more you rest it, the quicker it  heals," Scott
said.