Aussie golfers face desperate Masters bid

Mar 28, 2017 - 11:10 PM While Adam Scott tees it up at this week's Shell Houston Open with a lifetime Masters exemption, nine other Australians face a last-ditch effort to win their way into Augusta.

Scott, the world No.7 and 2013 Masters winner, makes his first appearance at the US PGA Tour's Golf Club of Houston since 2010.

He tied for 14th that year before finishing in a share of 18th place at Augusta National one week later.

The 36-year-old has revamped his schedule for 2017, playing the week before each of the four majors in a bid to claim an elusive second big one.

The Queensland native is hoping to put the finishing touches on a rigorous Masters training regime this week, having spent the past month practising at his Bahamas base.

"I've been going at it pretty good with some real focused work at home," Scott told AAP.

"I'm seeing great signs with my game, particularly the short game. I'm hoping to have a cruisy week at Houston and not have to beat balls every day.

"Hopefully I'll play well here and have a calm confidence and show up at Augusta ready to rip in from the first round."

Scott is among 29 contestants in Houston already exempt for the first major of 2017, with the Masters field all but finalised.

The Aussie contingent at the April 6-9 tournament includes Scott, world No.3 Jason Day, recent Arnold Palmer Invitational winner Marc Leishman, Rod Pampling and world No.1 amateur Curtis Luck.

Perth veteran Greg Chalmers is among the 115 golfers still vying for Augusta's last invite, which is afforded to the Houston Open winner.

Chalmers' first career US PGA Tour victory at the 2016 Barracuda Championship did not carry a Masters exemption, but the 43-year-old welcomed the 11th-hour bid.

"This is it; the clock is ticking. The idea starting Sunday's final round with a chance to win that last spot at Augusta is really exciting to me," said Chalmers.

Queensland youngster Cameron Smith is also desperate to return after making his Masters debut last year, finishing tied for 55th.

"I don't want to put unnecessary pressure on myself but I definitely want to play the Masters again," said Smith.

"It was like a dream last year, so to go back there this year would be special."

Other Australians playing in the last-chance saloon are Stuart Appleby, Robert Allenby, Aaron Baddeley, Steven Bowditch, Matt Jones, Geoff Ogilvy and John Senden.

Headline stars in the field include world No.5 Henrik Stenson, No.6 Jordan Spieth, No.9 Rickie Fowler and five-time major winner Phil Mickelson.

Source: AAP