Scott keen for Texas tonic

Adam Scott is aiming to put his near miss at the Masters behind him with a successful defence of his Valero Texas Open title.

The Australian, who briefly led last Sunday at the Augusta National before finishing tied second behind winner Charl Schwartzel, admits it has been a struggle to get prepared for the tournament he won by one stroke last year.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting those good feelings happening again from last year and also carrying on the good feelings I had going on on the golf course last week,” said Scott, who has been using a broomstick putter this year in a bid to end the putting woes that have derailed his career.

“I’ve been resting for a couple of days. It’s been a big last few weeks, certainly through the Masters, so I’ve been trying to rest up and keep the energy levels as high as I possible can for this week.

“It’s certainly a big let-down mentally or emotionally after any major, whether you’re in the mix or not. It certainly does take a lot out of you, not just in the tournament but in the practice weeks.”

Scott will be paired with fellow Australian Geoff Ogilvy and Argentina’s Angel Cabrera – both of whom also had good Masters tournaments – for the first two rounds at TPC San Antonio, starting on Thursday.

And he goes in in good form after posting two five-under-par 67s in the last two rounds in Georgia to move into contention before being eclipsed by Schwartzel and having to share second with Jason Day.

“I’ve hopefully got something to build on with a good showing at Augusta even though it wasn’t the result I wanted in the end – especially late on Sunday when I was right there with a chance and very close,” added Scott.

The only Briton playing in Texas is Glasgow’s Martin Laird, who will also enter the competition in good heart after a three-under-par total earned him a top-20 placing on his debut in Augusta.