Australian golfer Adam Scott reveals reason behind his mission to fight skin cancer

Australian golfer and former world no. 1 Adam Scott has opened up about his shock at being diagnosed with skin cancer and how it delivered a wakeup call that he is reminded of every time he looks in the mirror.

Adam Scott vividly recalls when he got his most personal wakeup call. It was in 2011 when he noticed something on his nose during a tournament in Louisiana.

“At the time, I was given the all clear,’’ he says.

“About three months later when I returned home to Australia I had it checked out again as I noticed it changed in its appearance a bit. Soon after, I was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma.

“I had a procedure to remove it from my nose, which left me with 30 stitches and a scar that’s still visible to this day.

“This was a wakeup call for me. Golfers spend a majority of their day out in the elements, under the sun, and it’s important to protect yourself. I realised then how important looking after your skin under the sun truly is and have taken a very serious approach to sun protection since, applying and reapplying sunscreen multiple times throughout each day, plus wearing a hat and sunglasses.”

Adam Scott realised the importance of sun protection after being diagnosed with skin cancer over 10 years ago. Picture: Marianna Massey

Scott’s experience has led to him being vigilant where he works – in the outdoors – but also in life as a public figure to raise awareness.

“In the profession that I’ve chosen it’s inevitable to come across others who have faced a similar condition or challenges around skin cancer,’’ he says.

“There are several other professional golfers who come to mind that have gone through this.

“We have shared those experiences with one another and from time to time have sought advice and comfort from each other knowing they’ve been through a similar scare.”

As he prepares to spend another summer in Australia with family and friends, Scott has taken on an important role close to his heart.

The former world no. 1 golfer has partnered with the Cancer Council to lead a call-to-action campaign. He will actively partake in a variety of promotional activities for the new Men’s Hydrating and Sports sunscreen while in Australia, sharing his story and showcasing the product offerings to his global audience.

Adam Scott playing the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club. Picture: Getty Images

Scott says hearing the word cancer comes as a shock, especially at a young age. That’s what struck him most about his experience.

“It’s obviously not ideal,’’ he says.

“But I was lucky I only had a BCC, the chance of it turning nasty is very slim.

“The concerning thing is I got it when I was very young. If I wasn’t before, since then I’ve been very strict about making sure that I’m not too exposed to the sun. For most of the time since then I’ve always played in sunglasses for a little bit of extra protection than just sunscreen and clothing.

“I’m generally only home in Australia for the summer holiday period so I make sure to always stock up on the range to bring back to the States with me for the PGA Tour season.”

He adds that it’s all about awareness.

“It’s important for everyone to get out there and do what they love, enjoy their activities, but it’s important to do so responsibly,’’ he says. “In Australia, melanoma is more commonly diagnosed in men than women. I am happy to lend my experience and voice to my fellow Australian men about the importance of protecting your skin from UV rays.

“It’s not just about trying to educate some of the kids but the parents as well. I’m a father and I bash my head against the wall trying to get my kids to brush their teeth every day. But for Aussie kids they need to wear sunscreen every day and protect themselves as much as they can when they’re young. I feel that’s important so I’ll be banging my head against a wall about that too.”

Adam Scott and wife Marie Kojzar, who share three children together. Picture: David Crosling

Adam Scott says it’s important to enjoy the great outdoors, but to protect yourself while doing so. Picture: Liam Kidston

Scott is back for the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane (playing now), followed by the Australian Open in Sydney and then the Cathedral Invitational from December 5-6.

After that his family – wife Marie Kojzar, their three children Bo Vera, 8, Byron, 6, and Bjorn, 3 – will join him in Queensland for a break.

“They’re as excited as I am to return home to Queensland,’’ Scott says.

“I always look forward to returning home. Homecomings mean two things for me; kicking off a great summer of golf with Australia’s majors, the Australian PGA Championship followed by the Australian Open; and starting what I call my off-season where my family and I enjoy the holidays surrounded by friends and family in Queensland. This trip I’ll be home for close to two months.”

The fire burns stronger than ever for Scott who is building momentum and believes he’s edging closer to a victory.

“I’m due for a win,’’ he says with a wry grin.

At age 43, he is still ranked inside the world’s top 50.

Adam Scott is still within the top 50 in the world despite being 43. Picture: Gregory Shamus

“I’m always looking for a win and truly believe I’m capable to win either or both of the upcoming tournaments at home,’’ he says. “I’ve just come off a strong finish in Bermuda with lots of positives to build on. It’s always great to come back to Australia and play in front of the home town crowds.

“There’s no better feeling than playing in front of the passionate and knowledgeable Aussie sporting fans.

“I think golf globally is in great shape. There’s never been more eyes on our sport and that’s a very good thing for all of us professionals.

“I’m more motivated by the sport than ever before. It’s been a challenging year, but there have been lots of positives to take away from it and build upon. I like where my game is trending at the moment.”

It’s also been a special year for Scott given it was the 10 year anniversary of his famous US Masters victory. With those memories in mind and an injection of home joys, he is well placed for a fruitful 2024.

“I think about that (Masters) performance often,’’ he says. “The emotions were and remain high when the Masters is mentioned. It was my childhood dream to win that event, and to be the first/only Australian to don that green jacket, that’s a very special feeling.

“I look forward to getting back to that place in the coming seasons, to enjoy that moment with my family.

“That’s my goal and I’m working towards that daily.

“My 2024 schedule is still a bit uncertain, however I have a few versions of how it will play out in my head.

“As for now I’m looking forward to a bit of an off-season at home with friends and family. I see myself out here competing for the foreseeable future, that’s for sure.

“I’m confident my best years are still ahead of me.”

Adam Scott is looking forward to spending summer in Australia. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Hydrating Sunscreen for Men SPF50+ for the face, neck and scalp is the latest SPF release.

“Cancer Council is an iconic, trusted Australian brand of sunscreen,’’ Scott says.

“It has some personal meaning for sure. Generally, I don’t have a lot of partnerships, relatively speaking. A lot of athletes have a lot of partners but I have about four so I choose my partners carefully.

“Certainly at this point I feel like I really do need to have some kind of connection to a partner as a deeper relationship in the right kind of way so that it’s real and I’m not just trying to sell something.”

Scott is partnering with the Cancer Council to share his story and raise awareness about skin cancer. Picture: Liam Kidston

Adam Scott is backing the new Cancer Council sunscreen, designed specifically for men.

“I’m really pleased with this partnership because it does have a more personal meaning to me seeing as I’ve had skin cancer.

“This is an opportunity for me to talk about that a little bit and make sure people are doing all they can to protect themselves.

“As a golfer, maintaining control over sweat and other obstructions is crucial, especially when you need a solid grip in a high pressure situation. The Cancer Council Sport Dry Touch SPF50+ sunscreen with its newly enhanced dry touch, non-greasy formula is designed for sports requiring grip like golf.

“I was thrilled when I heard about the new men’s sunscreen that came out, as there is such a lack of sunscreens designed for men. And most importantly I believe in the work that the Cancer Council does, from their research to their informational campaigns spreading awareness of the perils of skin cancer.”

cancer.org.au