​The R&A on Wednesday named Adam Scott the recipient of the inaugural Spirit of Golf Award.The R&A introduced the award to recognize an individual who exemplifies the spirit of the game on a global scale and displays the values, behaviors and traditions inherent to golf. The announcement was made Wednesday during the R&A press conference ahead of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I am honored to be the first recipient of the new R&A Spirit of Golf Award.“As someone who has spent my entire life in the game of golf, it is so meaningful to be recognized 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.”More: Our Open Championship hub: Stats, videos and more1 / 19A young visitor shelters in the shade, as players practice a few days before the start of the 2026 Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale golf course near Southport in north-west England on July 12, 2026.(ANDY BUCHANAN, AFP via Getty Images)Scott, who turns 46 on Thursday, is making his 101st consecutive major start this week, the second-longest streak all-time, trailing only Jack Nicklaus. His best finish in the open was T-2 in 2012, and his lone major victory came at the 2013 Masters in a playoff.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement”We are delighted to introduce The R&A Spirit of Golf Award to acknowledge service and impact on golf on a global scale. It celebrates and underlines the importance of the spirit of the game by recognizing an individual who reflects the values, behaviors and traditions of golf,” R&A CEO Mark Darbon said. “As a great ambassador for the sport who has made a significant positive impact on golf globally, Adam exemplifies those values. He is the ultimate professional and has consistently displayed integrity, respect and passion for the game, while helping golf continue to connect with a broad audience.”The R&A Spirit of Golf Award will be awarded annually to an individual, although in exceptional circumstances it may be awarded to a team or organisation. It is not restricted to amateurs or professionals and is not purely performance-based.Cameron Jourdan is an assistant editor of Golfweek, covering college and amateur golf, the PGA Tour and plenty more. Follow Cameron on X/Twitter (@Cam_Jourdan) or Instagram (@GolfweekJourdan).This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Adam Scott named recipient of R&A’s inaugural Spirit of Golf Award