Golf: Scott lets it slip at Players Championship

Adam Scott of Australia reacts after he missed a putt on the 15th hole during the second round of the Players Championship golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass. Photo / AP

The last time Adam Scott played a big event in Florida he let it slip on Saturday (Sunday NZT) with a two-over-par 74 and he repeated that effort in the third round at the US PGA Players Championship today.

Scott started two shots off the lead after two rounds at TPC Sawgrass and, just like at the WGC Cadillac Championship in Doral two months ago, he dropped away into a tie for 14th, well off the pace.

At Doral Scott found himself nine shots adrift going into Sunday, so at least being eight behind leader Kevin Na (68, 12-under-par) this time was slightly better.

Matt Kuchar (69) was a shot behind Na in second place while last-start winner Rickie Fowler (66) was third at nine-under after the low round of the day.

Na was vying to become the second consecutive Korean-born winner with an Australian coach at The Players.

Steve Bann coaches 2011 champion KJ Choi while his long-time business partner Dale Lynch has Na in his stable.

Scott was left to rue two double bogeys in his round.

The first came thanks to dunking his tee ball into water on the fifth hole and tghe other came on the last hole to sour his finish.

"Doubles are just so costly in this event and it was just unnecessary to finish that way," Scott said. "Overall it was a frustrating day for me."

Despite his odds lengthening considerably, the 31-year-old vowed to attack the tough Sawgrass layout on Sunday in an effort to steal a win.

"It's not over yet. I think a low round tomorrow can go a long way and if I can get to double digits (under par) then anything is possible out here," he said.

Scott admitted he needed to come out firing.

"The first four holes are gettable so I need to get it in the fairway and get at the pins. There is a chance to start hot and build something from there," he said.

"I have to go low and I'm ready to go for it and have a real run at it.

"I'm not just going to plod my way around and see what happens, I'm going to make something happen.

"Like I said, it's all in the start. If I can get off to a fast one then maybe I can ride the momentum all the way home."

Geoff Ogilvy (70) was the only Australian to post an under par round, moving to three under for the tournament in a tie for 27th.

Marc Leishman (even), Robert Allenby (+3) and Rod Pampling (+5) round out the Australian effort while Tiger Woods (72) couldn't get anything going on moving day, leaving the 14-time major winner at two-under in a tie for 34th.

-AAP