The long and short of it: Scott to try out a conventional putter in season debut at Doral

Phil Mickelson hits from the fifth tee during a practice round for the Cadillac Championship golf tournament in Doral, Fla., Wednesday, March 4, 2015. (AP/J Pat Carter) (The Associated Press)

Martin Kaymer hits on the fourth fairway during a practice round for the Cadillac Championship golf tournament in Doral, Fla., Wednesday, March 4, 2015. (AP/J Pat Carter) (The Associated Press)

DORAL, Fla. – Adam Scott is playing for the first time this year at Doral, and everything feels new.

He has hired a new caddie. He is playing his first tournament as a father. And the biggest change is that he plans to use a short putter when the Cadillac Championship begins on Thursday.

Scott had enough time off during the final months of his wife's pregnancy that he tinkered with a conventional putter. He had been using a long putter the last four years, but a new rule will ban that in 2016.

The first World Golf Championship of the year has brought together everyone from the top 50 in the world ranking. It's the first time the top 50 have been together since the 2012 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island.