Adam Scott struggling at the Australian Masters in Melbourne

Adam Scott is struggling in the opening round of his Australian Masters title defence.

The world No.2, who is gunning for a third successive Masters title, was three-over-par after his first 11 holes at Metropolitan golf course in Melbourne.

Starting on the back nine, Scott dropped a shot on the 15th before making a double bogey on the 18th after finding himself in a bunker and then over-shooting his putt.

Watched by a large gallery, Scott was playing with 2006 US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy and 16-year-old amateur Ryan Ruffels.

Ruffels was two-over while Ogilvy was even par.

In blustery conditions on the sand-belt course the leader was Queenslander Michael Wright, who was four-under through 12 holes.

Victorian Bryden MacPherson was next best at three-under after nine holes.