Scott no longer on the rocks, wins first title

SYDNEY – Adam Scott has won his first professional golf tournament Down Under, shooting a final-round even-par 72 Sunday to win the Australian Open by five strokes.

Scott, who has won 14 tournaments around the world but none in his native Australia since turning professional in 2000, began the final round with a two-stroke lead over Stuart Appleby.

He led Appleby by seven strokes with seven holes remaining before bogeying three of four holes, allowing his rival to get within three shots with two holes remaining, but held on for the win at the New South Wales Golf Club.

Scott finished with a 15-under-par total of 273 around the oceanside links-style course, with Appleby shooting a final-round 75 to finish second. (AP)