Adam Scott says the competitive juices are flowing as he seeks a third Australian Masters title at Huntingdale from Thursday to set him up for 2016.
Scott claimed back-to-back yellow Masters jackets in 2012 and 2013 but has unfinished business at Huntingdale, which hosted the tournament from its inception in 1979 to 2008.
The 35-year-old lost the title in playoffs at the famed sand-belt course in both 2002 and 2003.
"I'd love to win at Huntingdale. I've had a couple close calls here in playoffs, and it would be nice to go one better and that's where my mind-set is at the moment," said world No.12 Scott on Wednesday.
Scott is still without a tournament victory in 2015 but with Australia's Triple Crown - the Masters, Open and PGA - on offer in the next month he hasn't given up hope.
He recently finished second at the US PGA Tour's CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur, where he shot 25-under.
"I'm playing a lot at the back end of the year and I feel like I'm right in competitive mode so I want to put myself into a position where I'm competing over the weekend.
"Anything less than that is going to be a disappointment for me," he said.
With the withdrawal of fellow former world No.1 Ernie Els, Scott is clearly the headline act at the revamped Huntingdale course.
"It's always worked in my favour when that's been the case over the years at certain events, not necessarily just Australian events, but a few others," he said.
"I've felt that kind of being the favourite made me play better so hopefully it goes that way this week."
Scott, the 2013 US Masters champion, has endured a relatively quiet year after being the most consistently strong performer in the four majors for several years.
In that time the 35-year-old has had to watch younger men - Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and countryman Jason Day battle for the world No.1 ranking.
Aiming to get back in that mix, he can draw on the example of American Spieth who went on a run of victories to springboard into the No.1 position following his Australian Open victory late last year.
Scott said winning in Australia could provide some crucial momentum heading into a new year.
"All events are important, but when you're looking for that momentum to get back in the winner's circle, these play a big role in that.
"I can think of a lot of guys who have really kick-started great runs by winning in Australia, and I did it in 2012.
"It would be great to play well and get a win up here, and hopefully this week, and carry it onto next week and just get that bit of momentum going, that confidence back up high, the winning confidence.
"There's nothing quite like it, and take it into next year and try and get that consistent high level of golf back."
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