Adam Scott sees positive signs as he prepares to launch his bid for a second Masters green jacket despite consecutive title defences blighted by illness.
After closing with a pair of three-under-par 68s, defending champion Scott tied for 45th, a distant 15 shots behind winner Dustin Johnson at the 77-man World Golf Championship event in Mexico City on Sunday.
The Australian, who slipped a spot to No.8 in the world rankings, was dogged by a lingering head cold, as he was when tied 14th but unable to contend at the Honda Classic in Florida a week earlier
"My health has not been good; I've felt shocking for two weeks," Scott told AAP.
The 36-year-old will dedicate the next three weeks to intense preparation at his Bahamas base before playing the Houston Open prior to the Masters at Augusta.
"I've got a nice little stretch of five weeks to work myself into great shape for the Masters," said Scott, the 2013 champion at Augusta National.
"I feel I know exactly what I need to work on.
"'m seeing great signs on and around the greens.
"With some real focused work, I'll be able to take that to the level where I need it to be to contend and win at Augusta."
Scott's 45th place confirmed Australia's worst finish at a WGC event since the series was created in 1999. It is the first time a golfer from Down Under has failed to finish in the top 40.
Scott was the leading Australian, three shots ahead of compatriot Sam Brazel (75), who slumped to a tie for 55th at four over.
Marcus Fraser also fell with a 75 and he finished in 58th at five over.
Scott Hend settled for 65th place at nine over while Matt Griffin (19 over) was last in the field.
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