World No.9 Adam Scott is backing himself to win a second Masters title after seeing signs of his ball-striking best during practice rounds at Augusta National.
Long revered as one of golf's premier ball-strikers, the 2013 Masters champion has struggled from tee to green this year - ranking 123rd on the US PGA Tour in driving accuracy and 193rd in proximity to the hole on approach shots.
However, the 36-year-old has found career-best form on and around the greens - his scrambling efforts have seen him grind out a top-10 finish among four top-25s in five US PGA Tour events this season.
Arriving at Augusta on Sunday with star caddie Steve Williams back on the bag, Queenslander Scott feels his best ball-striking display for 2017 during a practice round with fellow Australian Curtis Luck is the confidence boost he needs ahead of the year's first major.
"(On Sunday) I struck the ball the best I have this year, for sure. It was significantly better and more what I expect out of myself," said Scott.
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.
"I really haven't hit the ball very well this year, so it was nice to put it right into place I want it."
With a tornado warning for the state of Georgia forcing Masters officials to suspend Monday's practice round early, Scott didn't get out to the golf course.
With his game seemingly firing on all cylinders, Scott is hoping to bottle his golf swing magic as he looks to add a second major championship to 13 US PGA Tour career titles.
"The past two days (the game) has really fallen into place and hopefully, it's not just one day," said Scott.
"I've really worked hard, mentally and physically, on my game to try and get that peak performance going.
"I'm pleased with my preparation and hopefully I can be really firing when the opening round comes."
While solid, Scott's 2017 results pale in comparison to world No.1 Dustin Johnson - whose three victories in as many starts have him as the heavy Masters favourite - as well as this season's other three-time winners, world No.4 Hideki Matsuyama (one unofficial) and world No.7 Justin Thomas.
But Scott believes form can go out the window, in both directions, when it comes to golf's four big dances.
"I'm always trying to peak (for Augusta). How much do I have to worry about (past results)? I don't, really," said Scott.
"You have to have a lot of patience because you do get a little edgy when it comes time for the Masters and you haven't really performed how you wanted to. But that doesn't mean you're not going to (win).
"'DJ' looks phenomenal, but there are so many guys capable of playing at a high level and I certainly feel I can go into (the Masters) with a lot of confidence as well."
