On the eve of the US Open, Adam Scott says he's feeling the same pre-tournament vibes that fuelled his breakthrough major victory at the 2013 Masters.
Preparing for his assault on first-time US Open course Erin Hills, in Wisconsin, world No.12 Scott is determined to notch a second career major after a series of close calls.
That includes four top-five finishes among seven top-10s at the majors since his sudden-death playoff victory at Augusta four years ago.
In order to make that next step, 36-year-old Scott has revamped his schedule to contest the tournament prior to each of golf's four big dances this year.
And it has already paid dividends - Scott's best results for 2017 have been at the Masters (tied ninth) in April and the Players Championship (tied sixth) in May.
The Queenslander believes he's feeling the mental edge he experienced before becoming the first Australian to don the Masters green jacket.
"My game is right there and I'm getting those feelings like I had leading into the Masters in 2013. I'm on a mission to win a second (major); I still have that high motivation," Scott said on Tuesday.
Fuelling Scott's resolve is the fact he's managed to turn around a previously unhappy hunting ground at the US Open.
Before 2012, Scott had missed the cut six times but has since gathered three top-15 finishes, including a best result of tied fourth in 2015.
"Everyone who has won a US Open has faced a battle against the best players in the world and some of the most incredibly difficult course set-ups you'll ever see," Scott said.
"I'd really love to put my name on that list, and the fact my results here have been better in the past few years gives me added confidence."
And in the nick of time, Scott insists his usually world-class ball-striking has returned, after struggling with the full-swing early in 2017.
His claim is supported by the US PGA Tour's strokes gained statistic, which ranks him in the top-20 for tee-to-green performance and the top-40 for driving.
"My long game has suffered a little bit this year but that's coming around. It certainly lifted (at last week's St Jude Classic) in Memphis," said Scott.
"I'm glad to see it at the level I like to see it, especially here at this course where it will be tested more than anywhere else this year probably."
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