Golf: Scott aims to atone for meltdown

Adam Scott, of Australia. Photo / AP

Feeling finally back to normality after his historic Masters triumph, a fully-focused Adam Scott is ready to exorcise the last of his British Open demons.

The Australian world No 4 resumes his chase for the coveted Claret Jug at Muirfield tonight, a year on from his crushing loss at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

Scott, who spearheads a 12-strong Australian contingent at the 142nd Open, is willing to acknowledge atonement remains a motivating factor heading into his 14th Open campaign, even though he bounced back from his 2012 meltdown to triumph at Augusta National.

Few Australians could forget the excruciating hour when Scott squandered a four-shot lead with four holes to play to allow good friend Ernie Els to steal victory last year.

"I'd love to get myself in a similar kind of position and right the wrong and get my hands on the jug this time," said Scott.

While Scott, Australia's first Masters champion, rarely goes more than a few days without sporting his green jacket, he indicated a Claret Jug could mean even more.

"The Open is right at the top of the tree as far as the pecking order goes," said Scott. "It's a special one. It's the only major outside the States and it's so different to the others in every way. I think it's steeped in so much history. It's the one you'd want the most, almost."

The bookies' second favourite at Muirfield behind world No 1 Tiger Woods, the lessons learned from his Lytham nightmare make Scott a dangerous proposition.

Known for his meticulous preparations for majors, Scott admitted his routine and focus suffered after breaking his major duck.

But he has welcomed a return to normality after missing out on back-to-back major titles at last month's US Open, where England's Justin Rose took over the mantle as golf's newest major champion.

"I think I've kind of got back in the routine in the last few weeks which has been nice and I can get back on with business."

- AAP