Adam Scott inspired by Rory McIlroy ahead of Australian Open revenge mission

Adam Scott says Rory McIlroy has inspired him to work harder on becoming a better golfer over the last 12 months.

Scott heads into this week's Australian Open still stinging at his defeat in the event last year, when a bogey at the 72nd hole allowed McIlroy in to deny him the chance of a home 'Triple Crown'.

McIlroy is back to defend his title at the Australian Golf Club and feels Scott is 'too nice a guy' for a fierce rivalry to develop, but Scott says it is the Northern Irishman who is inspiring him to achieve more success.

He managed just one more title in 2014 - the Crowne Plaza Invitational - while McIlroy's game went from strength to strength in winning The Open, US PGA Championship and overall Race to Dubai title.

Australian Open Golf

Hard work

"I certainly have a thorn in my side after not winning last year. I did everything but win, I felt like when it came down to it," Scott said.

"Even late in the piece I had my chances to kind of close the door, but I left it open and you can't do that with the best players in the world. They'll walk right through and Rory did.

Rory has taken his game up a notch and that's inspired me to work harder.

"I think I've found that we've somewhat pushed each other along over the last couple of years, Rory has taken his game up a notch and that's inspired me to work harder.

"If my competition's really motivated and that good, I'm going to have to work really hard as well.

"I certainly welcome the challenge because these are the best years of my career and I'm going to have to get the best out of myself to beat a guy like that."

McIlroy is looking forward to his title defence in Sydney but admits his thoughts are already looking as far ahead as April when he will bid for a career grand slam at The Masters.

"Every day (I am thinking about Augusta). It's the next big career goal of mine, it would complete the career grand slam," he said. 

"It's going to be a great position in a few months' time driving down Magnolia Lane, having the chance of winning my third major in a row and the chance to complete the career grand slam at 25.

"I know there's going to be a lot of hype and talk about it but you just have to embrace that and I'm going in to enjoy the week the best I can and make sure I'm prepared for it next year."