Adam Scott over his Open Championship anguish

Adam Scott admitted he had ‘let a really great chance slip’ (Getty Images)

Adam Scott begins the defence of his title at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio today convinced he can put his nightmare final-round collapse at the Open behind him.

The Australian led by four only to drop shots on each of the final four holes to hand victory to Ernie Els at Royal Lytham last month.

The 32-year-old said yesterday he had felt "shocked and numb" afterwards but that he had "tons of messages and emails" showing understanding and support.

"I certainly didn't beat myself up and curl up in a corner," he said. "The disappointment shouldn't hold me back from taking advantage of the way I'm playing at the moment... I mean, my game is in really great shape."