Like most of the golfing world, Adam Scott is pleased to see Tiger Woods back at this week’s British Open.

But the Australian world No.1 says the American legend has his work cut out if he wants to reclaim golf’s top ranking.

“It’s good that he’s back playing,” Scott said ahead of the event at Royal Liverpool, starting on Thursday.

“He generates so much interest so I’m happy to see that.”

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Woods has only played one competitive tournament, at the Congressional golf club in Maryland where he missed the cut, following back surgery in late March.

Scott capitalised on Woods’s absence to claim the No.1 ranking two months ago, becoming the first Australian to sit atop the world golf standings since Greg Norman.

“I’m sure when he (Woods) is back out here, getting back in the swing of it, he’ll be wanting to take back his spot back at the top,” Scott said.

“But there are a bunch of us who also want to be in that spot.

“So it’s going to be, I think, some really good golf in the upcoming months with a lot of big tournaments.

“We’ll see who wants it the most.”

Scott insists protecting his ranking won’t be a focus as he bids for a second career major and first Claret Jug this week.

However, being rated the world’s premier player sits nicely with the Queenslander.

“I’ve enjoyed the last couple of months immensely,” Scott said.

“I think it’s been such a process to get to this childhood dream and achieve it that I’ve tried hard to keep myself there for a little bit.

“It’s hard to reflect too much on things you do when you’re in the middle of playing your career. I don’t think there’s time for stopping and reflecting at the moment.

“But one day it will be something that I’m very proud of.”