AUGUSTA (AFP) — Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler likes the state of his game as he prepares to defend his Masters title, having bounced back from an early season hand injury.

Scheffler seeks his third Masters title in four seasons and second in a row. Only Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo have captured back-to-back Masters crowns. Only Nicklaus has won three in four years.

In the past three years, Scheffler has won two or three times before the Masters. This year, he hasn’t lifted a trophy before coming to Augusta National, his start slowed by a hand injury suffered while cooking Christmas dinner.

Still, Scheffler shared second at the Houston Open in his final Masters tuneup and likes where his game is at as the year’s first major arrives.

“Feeling pretty good. Excited about the stuff that we’re working on right now and game feels like it’s in a good spot,” Scheffler said.

“I feel like I’m getting a little bit sharper, and I feel like I’m improving a little bit... I’m definitely in the swing of a normal year now.”

Scheffler credits shotmaking control and solid strategy for playing Augusta National as his reasons for success over the famed layout.

“When I’m in control of my golf ball, I have very good strategy for playing the golf course. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to hit the shots. That’s what it is at Augusta,” Scheffler said.

“I could talk about it all day long about where to play it and the certain type of shot to hit, but if you don’t pull a shot off, you’re going to be punished out there.

“Around Augusta National, what makes the golf course so special is always the opportunity to pull off a great shot. I think that style of golf is a bit more exciting than just your typical event.”

Scheffler, whose nine triumphs last year included the Paris Olympics and Tour Championship, says it feels like he enters another world when he drives down Magnolia Lane.

“When you pull in the gates, I think that’s the most special thing for me. I really feel like you’re just kind of turning into this whole other world,” Scheffler said.

“It’s like a different place than the world just outside the gates. And you pull in, and everything else just kind of melts away.”

Since winning his first PGA Tour title at Phoenix in February 2022, Scheffler has dominated, impressing fans and rivals alike with his calm demeanor and relaxed attitude.

“What Scottie has done the last couple years in golf is amazing,” second-ranked Rory McIlroy said. “He’s great for the game. His season last year is up there with one of the all-time great seasons in the history of the game.

“He’s an amazing player, he’s a great person as well. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Scottie.”

Scheffler keeps his attention on the challenges at hand, even with a major title at stake.

“What has always worked best for me is staying in the present, working hard preparing for each event,” Scheffler said.

Only Woods has spent more weeks at world number one than Scheffler, but the American tries to take that success in stride.

“It’s something cool to see from some good starts I’ve had in the last couple years. I definitely put in a lot of work to have that type of achievement,” Scheffler said.

“I don’t think about being number one. I didn’t go out to the range today feeling like the best player in the world. I showed up feeling like myself, and I went out to try and prepare to play.

“I’m definitely not going to sit there and rest or view myself as any different because I accomplished some things in the game.”

McIlroy respects that attitude about topping the rankings.

“He’s so committed to his craft and he’s always working, always trying to get better,” McIlroy said.

“He seems like he doesn’t really care about anything else apart from just trying to be a good golfer and doing the best that he can. He’s got a great attitude towards it.”