UNLV golf coach Knight roots for Scott to be school’s first major champion

Dwaine Knight has churned out many PGA Tour players in 25 years as the UNLV men’s golf coach. In all that time, he has yet to see one of his former players win a major title.

That could change today.

Former Rebel Adam Scott holds a four-shot lead in the British Open, and Knight said he would be an early riser to watch the final round on ESPN.

"Oh yeah, I’ll watch. I always love watching our guys," Knight said Saturday.

Knight has seen three of his former players get tantalizingly close in majors over the past decade. Scott took second at last year’s Masters and tied for third in the 2006 PGA Championship. Chad Campbell placed second at the 2003 PGA, and he tied for the best score at the 2009 Masters – but ended up tied for second, as he and Kenny Perry lost in a three-way playoff with Angel Cabrera. Chris Riley took third in the 2002 PGA.

Knight said he believes Scott’s experience could get him over the majors hump today.

"He’s been playing well in the majors, and he’s had a lot of shots. He looks like he’s really in control of his game," Knight said. "I know there will be a lot of pressure out there, but he’s been there before, and I know that will benefit him a lot. It’s hard to get that experience, but he has it.

"I think it would be a terrific thing for UNLV – a former Rebel winning a major would be cool for us. I emailed him (Saturday) and told him we’re all pulling for him."