A spectacular putting display in Los Angeles has Adam Scott brimming with confidence ahead of his Honda Classic title defence at Palm Beach.
The Australian world No.7 arrives at the US PGA Tour's first event in Florida for 2017 (starting Friday AEDT) having battled Spaniard Sergio Garcia to win the 2016 event by one shot at PGA National's Champion course.
The 36-year-old is buoyed by the fact he led the field in putting statistics at last week's Genesis Open, en route to a tie for 11th at Riviera Country Club - his first tournament in the US this year.
"My putting was spectacular; I led the field in putting," Scott told AAP.
"I struck putts very well. I want to keep that going and on slightly smoother green this week, it could be really good."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Scott said his form on the greens was in part due to an overhaul of his coaching staff - the Queenslander has been consulting with short-game guru Matt Ballard, a teaching professional at Scott's Gold Coast base of Sanctuary Cove.
"I've been talking with (Matt) about the short game he's definitely helped me with that; he's been really good," said Scott.
Scott revealed he had also parted ways with swing instructor Brad Malone early in 2016.
"I don't (currently) work with anyone on my swing; I'm going to leave it that way and keep it as simple as I possibly can," said Scott.
Last year's Honda Classic victory represented Scott's first US PGA Tour title in 18 months, and he went on to win the following week's World Golf Championship event in Miami.
Scott said those positive memories would aid his title defence.
"(I've) got that good feeling coming back; it's one of my favourite venues and it's a comfortable place for me to start."
Scott will be paired for the opening two rounds with American world No.8 Justin Thomas, who has won three times this season, and three-time major champion Padraig Harrington, from Ireland.
Other big names include world No.9 Garcia and reigning US Masters champion Danny Willett, from England.
The Australians at PGA National include Marc Leishman, Greg Chalmers, John Senden, Steve Bowditch, Cameron Percy and Brett Drewitt.
