Australia's former world No.1 will be making his 24th appearance at the PGA Tour's flagship event, the most of any player in the field, and has fond memories having won at TPC Sawgrass as a 24-year-old back in 2005.
"I love it, coming back here, obviously a very special place early in my career to have a big win like that," Scott said.
"It is a lot of years ago and lots of things have changed here. But it's fun to be part of that evolution and hanging in there.
"Hopefully I'm going to give myself a chance at another run at the title this week."
After a lean 2025, Scott will carry confidence and momentum into golf's so-called "fifth major" after roaring back to life in his past two events.
The 45-year-old fired two eight-under 63s to share fourth place at the Genesis Invitational and tied for 11th at last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational.
"My form is improved in the last few weeks. I really put that down to some better putting this year, certainly at Riviera and Bay Hill, which are good places to putt well. Everywhere is," he said.
"It feels like it's been the thing holding me back really for 12 to 18 months. I feel like my game's been there or thereabouts but I've gotten nothing out of it.
"But when a few putts go in, all of a sudden everything else can free up a little bit, the pressure's off, and the scores come down."
Long admired as one of golf's sweetest swingers, Scott is also profiting from some unexpected extra distance off the tee.
Four weeks out from a return to Augusta National, the 2013 Masters champion is chuffed to have increased his ball speed from 290km/h last season to 296km/h after taking a degree off his driver.
Now the hope is that he continues to hit it straight and longer.
"It is helpful, when you think of some of the golf courses," said Scott.
"Maybe not this one so much; it's not such a bomber's paradise.Â
"But when you're playing courses like Torrey Pines and then obviously we've got Augusta coming up soon, having that driver working well is a good thing."
Scott is among five Australians teeing it up at the $US25 million ($A35 million) showpiece starting on Thursday.
Fellow former world No.1 and Players' champion Jason Day returns off the back of successive missed cuts.
But, like Scott, Min Woo Lee heads into the tournament full of belief after top-10 finishes at Riviera and Bay Hill.
Cam Davis and Karl Vilips round out the Aussie contingent.
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