Australian Masters: Geoff Ogilvy out to deny Adam Scott a third straight title

Geoff Ogilvy has warned Adam Scott not to underestimate the strength of the field at this week's Australian Masters in Melbourne.

Scott is the overwhelming favourite to land a third consecutive victory in the event at the Metropolitan Golf Club, but Ogilvy believes there are a number of local stars with the ability to deny the world No 2.

Ogilvy, who ended a four-year PGA Tour title drought with victory at the Barracuda Championship in August, feels local knowledge could play a vital part in the outcome on Sunday afternoon.

The former US Open champion, bidding for his first yellow jacket, said: "Obviously I feel like I can win the tournament. Melbourne is home and I feel like if I play well on this sort of course, I should do well.

"Adam's the favourite but I feel like I can win and I feel like there's probably a ton of other guys in the field that if they go out and play well, they can win.

"There's a lot of pretty established and proven players in this field that if they play well, they are hard to beat, as well."

Marcus Fraser, Steven Bowditch and 2010 champion Stuart Appleby are among the other local players teeing up on Thursday, while charismatic American Boo Weekley adds an international element to the field.

Meanwhile, Jarrod Lyle is determined to make headlines on the course as he continues to revive his career following two battles with cancer.

The 33-year-old made an emotional return to competitive action at the Australian Masters last year after beating leukaemia for the second time, and he is now keen to enhance his reputation as a golfer first and foremost.

"I'm here to compete," said Lyle. "I'm never going to lose that tag, but I now am a golfer again. I want to be out playing golf.

"I want to be competitive. I want to win golf tournaments."