Adam Scott freely marvels at Tiger Woods’ return to the top of the golfing mountain.

But Scott today warned his younger peers that are warming to the new-age, more “approachable” Tiger that the American’s competitive urge to crush their spirit was never far from the surface.

“He’s written off, his back’s shot, he’s old and then he comes back and wins the Masters – truly the whole thing is incredible and it’s exciting for golf,” Scott told the Inside The Ropes podcast.

“For me, who played a lot around and with Tiger when he was really a dominant force, it’s nice to see him playing at top level again.”

Scott said Woods, 43, who has again risen to No.5 in the world on the strength of his Augusta triumph in April, had become “a little more relaxed” after overcoming his physical and personal tribulations of recent years.

“I wouldn’t say completely (relaxed), but he’s definitely more approachable and personable than in his dominant years,” Scott said of the five-time Masters champ.

“But he played the game well with everyone, he did everything he could to get an advantage and I think a lot of that helped him with that intimidation (factor).

“He’s at a very different stage of his career now and I think, maybe foolishly, some of the people who are enjoying him being approachable are being sucked into a false sense of security with him.

“He’s hard-wired to step on somebody’s throat when he has to.”

Scott was typically candid in his thoughts on a range of matters around his own performance and the sport overall, including opening up with his thoughts on the Tokyo Olympics next year.

And the Queenslander said he was so comfortable with his oft-discussed putting that if he could have his iron play at a good level in the upcoming US and British opens, he could win another Major championship.

Click HERE to hear the full Inside The Ropes podcast.