Adam Scott says he needs a fast start to have any chance of claiming his third successive Australian Masters title after another roller coaster round.

The world No.2 admitted he was “battling” after failing to find any momentum during round three at Metropolitan Golf Club.

He had five birdies against four bogies for a one-under 71 to be four-under for the tournament.

Scott said he needed a low opening nine to pressure the front-runners including third round leaders Queenslander Michael Wright and South Australian Paul Spargo.

Former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy will also be in the mix after a 71 left him at five-under.

“Anyone sitting in my position tomorrow is going out with no pressure,” Scott said.

“If I can get off to fast start and somehow be within a couple of the lead when I’m turning and they’re teeing off five or six holes behind.

“Posting a number is a big thing in a golf tournament with some tough finishing holes here.”

Scott admitted his presence climbing the leaderboard could have an impact on those ahead.

“It makes them think and thinking can be dangerous in golf,” he said.

While the former US Masters champion said he hadn’t put an ideal round together, with scores of 73, 68 and 71, he still felt he had a low round in him.

“All the signs were good and my swing felt the best of any today,” he said.

“The front nine is so key … turning in five or six under is really possible and I just need to make it happen.

“I need to turn somewhere near the leaders.”

While Scott struggled, 18-year-old Victorian amateur Lucas Herbert set a new course record at Metropolitan and is at six-under for the tournament.

After opening rounds of 75 and 70, Herbert took advantage of some perfect morning conditions with eight birdies in 10 holes en route to his record 65.

“I was quite fortunate to get out before the weather really hit,” Herbert said.

“That wind was really tough on the last four holes.”