Australian Scott is part of a stellar field that includes 40 of the top 50 players in the world at the only World Golf Championships event played outside the US.
Scott, who was surpassed at the top of the world rankings by McIlroy in early August, acknowledges that his chances of victory are helped without the presence of the Northern Irishman. "Selfishly, [his missing] opens up the field a little bit this week," he said.
US Open champion Martin Kaymer agreed. "When you talk about number one in the world, of course you think, OK, one player less to beat and a good one less to beat."
Tiger Woods is also absent as he continues to rehabilitate from back surgery, while fellow American Dustin Johnson will not defend his title as he deals with personal issues.
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