Adam Scott is confident he's ready to claim Australian sport's holy grail at The Masters, declaring he holds no fear of Augusta National as it's come to feel like a "home track".
After two years of dedicated focus on major championships, Scott says he's closer than ever to a victoryand he fully expects to be in contention on the back nine on Sunday in the quest for not only his first major, but Australia's first Masters green jacket.
Having frittered away a four-shot lead with four holes to play at last year's British Open some have doubts about the 32-year-old world No.7 when it comes to winning the big ones, but Scott said on Monday he's ready, and not afraid of what exacting Augusta National can throw at him.
He points to the last three trips down Magnolia Lane, when he finished tied 18th (2010), second (2011) and eighth (2012) respectively, as proof.
"I think I've developed a level of comfort with the golf course here now," said Scott.
"I come here and I'm not scared of hitting it in the wrong spot. You're a little more comfortable, definitely not as tentative. It's like a home track."
Scott said the 2010 Masters marked a turning point for him.
"Just the way I played from tee to green I just felt comfortable on all the shots because there are a lot of intimidating shots out here.
"Obviously 2011 was great and last year I played solid as well so I feel like now I've got the experience and the knowledge of the golf course."
After breaking down and limiting his schedule two years ago to focus on preparation for the majors, Scott has produced six top-15 finishes in the last eight including twice being runner-up.
Last year he was the most consistent golfer across all four majors and he cited small mistakes at critical times for his inability to snare one.
"It's always a fine line at the top end," Scott said.
"I think the way I'm going about it is showing that I'm consistently there. I'm more confident, absolutely.
"I see progress in everything I'm doing, so that's building the confidence.
"Ultimately I'd like to show that in a result and not just feel that in myself.
"I've never been closer. I'd be disappointed not to get a result here this week."
Scott is one of just four Australians in the 93-man field vying for the green jacket.
Fellow Queenslanders Jason Day and John Senden return for the third and fourth time respectively while Victorian Marc Leishman makes just his second appearance.
