Scott, who turned 46 on Wednesday, was formally recognised by the custodians of the sport just hours before he teed off in The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, just outside Liverpool.

Scott joined Jack Nicklaus as the only players in history to feature in 100 straight majors during last month’s US Open, and was nominated above all his peers for the award, which The R&A said represents “the values, behaviours and traditions inherent to golf”.

“As someone who has spent my entire life in the game of golf, it is so meaningful to be recognised for my impact on golf across the world, not only from a playing point of view but for also upholding values which are so integral to the sport,” Scott said.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing in 100 consecutive major championships. It has been a privilege and is something I’ll never take for granted. I look forward to continuing that run at Royal Birkdale this week for The 154th Open.”

The former world No.1 and Australia’s only Masters winner is trying to add a second major to his collection — more than 13 years after his historic triumph at Augusta National.

He has shown patches of form throughout 2026, but hasn’t seriously contended at any of the three majors despite featuring in the final group of the US Open at Oakmont last year.

Having rightfully had his milestone of 100 straight major appearances celebrated, Scott is happy to reset after being paired with American guns Chris Gotterup and Sam Burns in the opening two rounds.

“Coming in here it’s a fresh start,” Scott said.

“We can move beyond 100 now and it’s not going to be a story for a long while.

“But I’ve been playing solid. If it’s not one thing, it’s another with golf. If you’re not winning, there’s always something. It’s just been hit or miss. It shows up some weeks. It’s been quite hard to put a finger on it exactly.

“I feel like the links is a place where it can easily turn around as well. This course will bring everyone together. There won’t be guys with a huge advantage. I could almost say the shortest and straightest hitters have the biggest advantage starting the week.

“It doesn’t take much – a good opening round or two in a major – and the confidence can really jump up and anything can happen on the links.”