GOLF: Golf-Masters rookies embrace nerves, soak in dream debut at Augusta

AUGUSTA, Georgia – For first-time Masters players, walking through the gates of Augusta National is both a dream come true and a test of composure. This year, a strong group of debutants is learning to balance awe with the pressure of competing on one of golf’s most challenging stages.

"As a kid, it was a dream to just even be out here," said Ben Griffin, who won all three of his PGA Tour titles last year. "As a player, this is a dream come true."

Like many newcomers, Griffin said he is still taking in the details of a course he had mostly known through television highlights and golf lore. He highlighted Augusta National’s famed Amen Corner as a place where the atmosphere feels unique.

"Once you get to Amen Corner, everything kind of gets a bit more peaceful," he said, while noting the swirling winds and hazards that make the stretch so demanding.

Memories of past Masters moments continue to inspire these players. Griffin recalled Tiger Woods’ iconic chip-in at the 16th hole in 2005, while Chris Gotterup said Woods’ 2019 victory was the image that fueled his professional aspirations.

Embracing the Whole Experience

Gotterup, who won two of his four PGA Tour titles this year, said he is focused on soaking in the experience.

"I'm trying to take it all in and enjoy it while also going out there to compete and give it everything I’ve got," he said.

Even with the grandeur of the Masters, he noted that his nerves would come more from the occasion than the course itself.

"I'm sure on the first tee I’ll be nervous," Gotterup added. "It’s something different that I haven’t experienced before."

Jacob Bridgeman, this year’s Genesis Invitational winner, described the difference between attending the Masters as a spectator and competing, saying it feels "different walking inside the ropes." He added that reaching Augusta is the benchmark players aim for each season.

Fifa Laopakdee, who staged a thrilling final-round comeback to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Dubai last year, said he felt calm during practice and sees nerves on the first tee as part of the experience rather than something to fear.

"Everyone is always going to feel nervous on the first tee, even the best player in the world," he said. "I’m just going to embrace it."

For this year’s newcomers, the key to the Masters may be simple: accept the nerves, honor the moment, and trust that they belong.

-Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters