The five-time Open Champion’s assessment came on the eve of the 2000 Open at St. Andrews. He had just given the fresh-faced 19-year-old Scott a guided Tour of the Old Course where he won the second of his Claret Jugs back in 1955.

The teenage rookie – then ranked No.282 in the world and making just his seventh professional start – hung off every word. But he couldn’t convert Thomson’s words into low scores and he missed the cut with rounds of 72-75.

Scott, who turns 42 on Saturday, has played every Open since and is still searching for that first victory in the game’s oldest championship.

He took giant strides toward that goal in the second round of the 150th Open with a bogey-free seven under 65. When he walked off the course shortly after 1pm local time, he was just two strokes behind playing partner and tournament leader Dustin Johnson on nine under.

Birdies at the 3rd, 5th and short par-4 9th had Scott out in 33. He continued with birdies at the 10th, 11th and 14th before making a tap-in birdie at 18 for an inward 32 and 65 total.

Adam Scott struck the ball beautifully in the second round. PHOTO: Getty Images.

It bettered his previous best score in an Open at St. Andrews by two strokes and it has propelled him back into contention. Thommo would be chuffed his prophetic words are still a great chance of coming true.

“I'm really pleased with that. I did a lot of good stuff out there today. So hopefully more of that on the weekend,” Scott said after his round.

While his brilliant 65 will grab headlines, Scott’s Open dreams remain alive because of his fighting even par in the first round. The Queenslander got off to a horror start and was four over par after his first six holes, which had him nine strokes off the lead and heading for a repeat of his missed cut in 2000. But he knuckled down and grabbed four birdies in the last ten holes for his opening 72.

“As good as the 65 was today, I think getting back to even was huge yesterday. After six holes things weren't feeling particularly good,” he said.

“My putting was great today. And it's been generally great this year.

“So, I want to keep that going over the weekend. The big thing is when you hole a couple of long ones like I did today, it's so good for the momentum out there because it's so hard to hit them close. And 40 feet can be good shots. And when a couple of those go in, it can really set you up for a good day like today.”

Scott’s 65 was also his lowest Open round since 2012 when he spectacularly started his campaign with a 64 at Royal Lytham & St Annes, before dropping four shots across the final four holes of the tournament to lose to Ernie Els.

That loss has been driving Scott at the majors ever since. The one that got away pushed him to win the green jacket at the Masters in 2013. A decade on and Lytham still hurts.

“You don't need much extra motivation at an Open Championship. But anytime I think about letting one slip through my hands, it hurts,” Scott said.

RIGHT: Peter Thomson with his second Claret Jug at St. Andrews in 1955. PHOTO: Getty Images.

“It would be exciting if I shot a really great round tomorrow to tee off with a legitimate feeling that I'm in contention, not only for the fact that I haven't really been in that position for a major for a little while, but also for the fact that I've had one hand on this jug, I feel like, and I'd like to put two on.”

Scott’s ducks are all lining up with 36 holes to play. He’s putting well, the ball-striking is getting better with every swing and he’s clearly motivated. Combine all this with a wealth of course knowledge and you have to think Scott has another great chance of winning his second major.

“Experience plays a factor around here,” Scott said. “It really depends if it gets windy. If it gets windy, then I think it plays a big factor.

“Experience in general can play a big factor at the Open Championship, when it comes down to it. Being able to know how to hit a shot or control a shot when you have to.”

Sounds like Thommo’s advice hasn’t been forgotten.