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Senden eyeing second Aust Open golf crown

John Senden would love to claim victory first up in Las Vegas but he is already loading his bets on his Australian Open tilt.

On the back of a year when he claimed his second US tour title, Senden returns to start his 2014-15 US PGA season at this week's Shriners for Children's Hospital Open in Las Vegas.

While the world No.50 has no intention of just making up the numbers, he admits his next three starts - including the CIMB Classic in Malaysia (Oct 30-Nov 2) and the WGC-HSBC Champions in China (Nov 6-9) - are also part of a calculated plan to be at his peak for an Australian Open (Nov 27-30) and Australian PGA Championship (Dec 11-14) assault.

The Queenslander makes no secret of his desire to add a second Australian Open title to his resume and would also like to claim a win in his home state at the Australian PGA.

With world No.1 Rory McIlroy and No.2 Adam Scott in the field at the Open and Scott backing up at the PGA, it won't be an easy task.

"I am absolutely pumped to play well in the Australian summer," said Senden.

"While I am always trying to play my best and win, this week plus Malaysia and China, will certainly play a part in getting me ready for the trip home."

The 43-year-old will head to the Open venue, The Australian GC in Sydney, a week before it starts.

"I want to really give it 100 per cent effort so getting there early is part of that," he said.

Senden won his first Australian Open in 2006, the same year he claimed his first US PGA Tour win, and he's hoping it is an omen after he won again in Tampa earlier in 2014.

He is also looking to climb the world rankings to ensure a place on the International team for the 2015 Presidents Cup in South Korea.

"The Presidents Cup is certainly a goal of mine," he said.

"I really want to be on a team before my career is done and I'm excited by the chase to improve my game and world ranking over the next 12 months."

Robert Allenby, 2003 champion Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Cameron Percy, Jarrod Lyle and last week's runner-up Steven Bowditch are also in the field in Vegas this week.

Bowditch will play the opening two rounds alongside Senden.