Believing age is just a number, Adam Scott feels ready to contend for a second Masters green jacket.
Scott turns 46 this year and and knows the clock is ticking on his celebrated career.
But Australia's one and only Masters winner also notes Jack Nicklaus was 46 when golf's GOAT wound back the clock to salute for a sixth time 40 years ago and that Tiger Woods claimed his fifth jacket in 2019 aged 43.
And inspired by great mate Justin Rose's charge to a play-off at 45 last year, Scott maintains he still has the game to contend, as evident by his fourth at Rivieria recently and two vintage rounds of 63 two weeks later at Bay Hill.
"I think this year is looking better for me than the last few, to be honest, that were all in my 40s," the former world No.1 said on Monday (Tuesday AEDT).
"The game's just in a better place all around. I feel like I just haven't been able to quite put it all together to win this season, but it's been really close. It's a very fine line at the top end of leaderboards and getting it done.
"But it kind of feels like it wouldn't surprise me if it all lined up and I was in contention this week with a chance, which is really what you're aiming for anyway."
Scott has arrived at Augusta National for his milestone 25th consecutive Masters tilt - and 99th consecutive major anywhere - also feeling "optimistic" after watching Gary Woodland win the Houston Open two weeks ago at 42.
"I think it's really possible," he said.
"Rosie won a few weeks ago (at the Farmers Insurance Open), so maybe it's the start of a 40-somethings revival."
At the very least, Scott feels "at peace" after winning the 2013 Masters and buoyant after improving his iron play and putting this year.
"If I was critical of one thing this year, I just haven't put four solid days together with the putter," he said.
"There have been a positive three days and then one kind of slow day on the greens. So hopefully with that comfort (around here) and I feel like I know the course a little bit here, it instinctually kicks in this way.
"I felt that the couple of times I played - last Wednesday and yesterday - and I kind of know where this putt goes and it's a nice feeling.
"So there's really no excuses on that one for me here this week."
