Aussie golfer Adam Scott suspects years of beatdowns from Tiger Woods is fuelling Ernie Els' burning desire to finally get one over his career nemesis at the Presidents Cup.
Els' pre-Cup raging underdogs are suddenly in pole position to end 21 years of International-team heartache, after claiming a commanding 4-1 lead over the Woods-captained United States on day one at Royal Melbourne.
A similar display of dominance in Friday's foursomes would leave Els with one hand on the trophy.
For weeks, Scott has heaped Els with praise for the skipper's meticulous planning and preparation for Woods and Team USA.
And the Internationals' spiritual leader wonders if Els' own constant beatings from Woods - who denied the South African the world No.1 ranking and countless more than his four Majors during an otherwise illustrious playing career - is driving Els.
"No-one of this generation has gotten the credit they probably deserve, because Tiger has been Tiger," Scott said.
"It's the same as Phil [Mickelson] and Ernie. I think they have played second fiddle, because Tiger has got the great record he has and he beat them quite often too.
"I think Ernie is maybe using that as some motivation this week, too."
Whether or not he is, Els' tactics certainly worked on day one.
Defying their status as the biggest underdogs in Cup history, the Internationals breathed fresh life into the beleaguered biennial contest with a dream opening.
Partnering Justin Thomas, the incomparable Woods saved Team USA from a humiliating wipeout, by securing the hot favourites' only point on Thursday.
But Woods isn't ready to surrender, despite no team in Presidents Cup or Ryder Cup history having ever overturned such a heavy first-day deficit.
"We're not out of it yet - it's a long week," Woods said defiantly, before Friday's all-important foursomes.
"I mean, we have to go earn this Cup. Just because we lost the session doesn't mean the Cup's over.
"There's a long way to go - a lot of points available."
AAP
