Tommy Fleetwood has gone from Masters Tournament patron to participant in the space of three years and is now keen to impress on his Augusta National debut.
The 26-year-old Englishman has reaped the rewards of returning to his former coach Alan Thompson and employing his friend Ian Finnis as his caddie, landing a second European Tour title in Abu Dhabi in January and finishing second to World Number One Dustin Johnson in the WGC-Mexico Championship to climb to 32nd in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Fleetwood also leads the Race to Dubai and now has a chance to become the first player to win the Masters on their debut since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979.
"I came to watch in 2014," said Fleetwood, who is one of 37 European Tour Members in the field. "I kind of came with the intention of being there the following year and finished 51st in the world that year, so I just missed out.
"One of the greatest accomplishments I've had in my career was actually qualifying for the Masters this year." - Tommy Fleetwood
"Whoever you speak to says everything takes a little bit of getting used to. Augusta, it's in everybody's mind and everybody's dreams so it's a little bit surreal when you first go.
"I thought I just want to see what it's like and when I do come, I might not be as awestruck. But it doesn't quite work like that - when you get to the golf course, it's still the same feelings.
"I dropped quite a long way at one point last year and in all honesty, one of the greatest accomplishments I've had in my career was actually qualifying for the Masters this year. It wasn't in our thoughts at all so it's all come very quickly."
Fleetwood has put his name down with Zoeller in the par-three contest in a bid to share some of his secrets, as well as seeking the advice of Mark O'Meara and Lee Westwood.
"I'm not going to sit here and say I expect to win, but you never know." - Fleetwood
"I'm not going to sit here and say I expect to win, but you never know," he added. "You've just got to get your head down.
"A lot of shots I feel comfortable with on the course. I've not got any experience of missing it in certain spots or knowing what is a horrendous chip shot or knowing that you can't go there. That's what a first‑timer is missing, but I'll try my hardest to get as much (information) as I can.
"I managed to get a few holes with (1998 champion) Mark O'Meara yesterday and Lee Westwood, just trying to get as much information as we can and seeing how we go.
"Hopefully I can make a good showing of myself. Stranger things have happened. I've got no massive expectations. It is great to be here and hopefully there will be a lot more."
