Adam Scott: 'Determined' to win

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- It has been an emotional return to Augusta National for Adam Scott, who played a practice round over the storied course with his father, Phil, and reminisced about his playoff victory a year ago when he walked down the 10th fairway for the first time.

But while Scott's days as reigning Masters champion may be coming to an end, the Aussie is not quite ready to give the green jacket back.

"I've really got this thing in my head that I'm quite determined to not leave it here," Scott said Sunday while wearing the jacket on the grounds. "I really have enjoyed having it with me all the time. And probably haven't taken advantage of wearing it out enough. Maybe too respectful. I think I am very determined to take it with me again next Sunday."

Scott, 33, captured his first major title a year ago in a sudden-death playoff over Angel Cabrera that concluded with a 10th-hole birdie putt. And he relished in the victory, taking the green jacket all over the world, including in November to his native Australia, where he played in four consecutive tournaments.

On Sunday, Scott helped present trophies to winners of the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship in the boys 10-11 division. For the first time, Augusta National opened its gates on the day prior to Masters week and let in a small group of spectators who were able to witness the competition that took place on the club's driving range and on the 18th green. There were 88 competitors who qualified.

"I thought the ceremonial duties would come a lot later in my career here," he joked.

Scott returned to Augusta National for the first time since his victory on March 24, the day after the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

He came back again on Friday and played the course with his father.

"It was the highlight of his golfing life he said," Scott said. "He had a great day. It was a good day for it. It was a little tricky out there. The wind was gusty. He played well. The greens probably got the better of him, which is the case probably for 99 percent of the people here for the first time.

"It doesn't matter how many times you've watched. I think for him following me around here for so many years, for him to stand in the middle of the fairway, to get a different perspective on the golf course was great. And just playing with him for me was fantastic."

One of the perks of winning the Masters is getting honorary membership and the ability to bring guests to play the course. Another, of course, is being able to take the green jacket off the property.

Scott begins his title defense on Thursday.