Posted April 2, 2012, 3:29 pm
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Adam Scott could be first Aussie

For this instance, Adam Scott will gladly have an asterisk next to his name.

After finishing second a year ago -- he was tied with fellow Australian Jason Day -- Scott returned to Augusta attempting to become the first Masters champion from his country.

"I don’t think it adds to the burden," Scott said. "It makes the story a little juicer. It’s going to happen, for sure. We have a lot of great players. One year, someone is going to get across the line. To be the first would be incredible."

A year ago, Scott remembers walking to the 17th tee with a one-shot lead. Normally, pars on 17 and 18 would have been good, but Charl Schwartzel took the Green Jacket by birding his final four holes. Scott called Schwartzel's finish "extraordinary."

Scott, 31, is preparing for his 11th Masters appearance. He played 18 holes on Monday.

Last year, he three-putted on the first green of the tournament but didn't do that again over the final 71 holes. He hopes he has similar green success this year, especially on the weekend.

This season, he carded a 66 and 68 the first two rounds at Doral despite windy conditions. But the number of putts mounted on the weekend as he tied for 13th.

But if he can make the putts at Augusta like he did last year, he thinks he'll be in a good position.

"Someone can come up and surprise," Scott said. "Hopefully that’s me."