Adam Scott has made an early statement about his form heading towards his Masters defence and taken a step closer to world No.1, equalling the course record in the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Scott pumped out a 10-under par 62 at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando to equal the course mark held jointly by countryman Greg Norman (1984) and American Andy Bean (1981).

Making the round even more impressive was the world No.2 did it with flu-like symptoms to set up a four shot lead at the top of the leaderboard after the morning wave.

Scott is projected to finish fractionally behind Tiger Woods’ No.1 mark should he win this event but with the numbers working on a two-year rolling basis would officially become the No.1 in the week leading into the Masters should Woods not play until Augusta as expected.

“Obviously I’m really thrilled with the start today. I think to make it to number one in anything is an incredible achievement, it’s a big world and there are a lot of people doing this,” Scott said.

“One week at number one would pale in significance to someone like the dominance of Tiger and some other guys but it’s a start and you’re heading in the right direction.

“I’ve got a chance, I’ve got to play hard for the next three days, but there is no better motivation than to win this tournament, shake Arnold’s hand and have a chance at world number one.”

The Queenslander hasn’t played in the event since missing the cut in 2009 but looked far from rusty on the layout, producing what he already thinks will rank inside his top five rounds.

Needing just 23 putts Scott made two eagles and seven birdies, three from longer than 20 feet, with just a lone bogey.

“I don’t know where it came from, but the putter certainly got hot today,” he said.

“Today was just one of those days where the hole was a bit like a bucket.”

Scott planned to rest given his illness to ensure he could keep the momentum going over the week.

“Hopefully with a solid round tomorrow I keep myself right in this golf tournament,” he said.

“I’m going to focus this afternoon on drinking a lot of water and resting up and trying to feel a bit more sprightly tomorrow.”