Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño revealed some advice from two-time Masters Tournament champion José María Olazábal had given him the confidence to conquer Augusta National.
The Spaniard finished a respectable 61st on his debut in the event last year, but looks well placed to surpass that after an opening 68 today left him four under par.
The six-time European Tour winner picked up shots at the 15th and 17th to reach five under, but bogeyed the last.
That did not sour Fernandez-Castaño’s mood, however, as he finished just two shy of clubhouse leader Marc Leishman.
"I got lucky to play four rounds here last year and finally you get to know this place," he said.
"I played a practice round with Olly and tried to absorb as much info as I could because he knows this place like his own backyard.
“Anything under par is always a good start for the first round of the Masters Tournament and I’m really happy. I was delighted with my game today unfortunately my putting wasn’t quite there but hopefully I can improve it through the week.
“There’s still a long way for me to go before I’m contending in a Major on Sunday but why not? Hopefully I can do well here this week.”
