Scott to defend Oz Masters

Sydney - Major winner Adam Scott will defend his Australian Masters title this year, attempting to join boyhood idol Greg Norman as the only player to win it back-to-back, organisers said on Tuesday.

Scott, the US Masters champion and world number three, held off a strong challenge last year from England's Ian Poulter and said he was keen to hit the Royal Melbourne Golf Club fairways in November.

"I'm excited to be returning to Melbourne to defend my Australian Masters title at Royal Melbourne, one of my favourite courses," he said.

Norman is the only player in the tournament's 35-year history to successfully defend the title.

After winning the US Masters in April, Scott paid special tribute to his fellow Australian for giving him "so much time and inspiration and belief".