Most people who have an opportunity to play the Augusta National Golf Club course want to tell the world about their experience.

But John Harris had nothing to say after holing his final putt during the third round of the Masters on Saturday.

Harris, paired with Bob May, served as a noncompeting marker in the 10:20 a.m. tee time. When an odd number of players make the 36-hole cut, the Masters Tournament committee selects someone familiar with the course to even the field.

Augusta National members, however, do not get too familiar with media members during Masters Week. Harris declined to speak to the media after finishing play Saturday.

``No, I can't do that,'' Harris said when a guard tried to steer him toward writers assembled behind the 18th green.

Harris kept May's score and filled out the first pairing off the tee. This was his second straight year as a noncompeting marker at the Masters. He played with Fred Couples last year.

On Saturday, Harris was the most anonymous green jacket owner walking the fairways.

Things were different in 1994. At that time, Harris was not a member of Augusta National. He was, however, the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, which earned him a spot in the Masters.

Harris, who won the 1993 U.S. Amateur at Champions Club in Houston, made the Masters cut in '94 and received a Silver Cup as low amateur. The Edina, Minn., resident also led the United States to victory over Great Britain in the Walker Cup.

While the blank name tag on the back of Harris' caddie left some spectators scratching their heads, May and Harris weren't strangers. The two played a practice round together at the 1987 U.S. Amateur at Jupiter Hills, Fla.

Harris made an early statement with his driver Saturday.

``He absolutely bombed that tee ball on the first hole. That was very impressive,'' May said. ``By the way he hit it, who knows? He might win the U.S. Am again.''

As May and Harris progressed through their round, spectators began to cheer for both players.

``It was good to see everyone out there rooting for him,'' May said. ``John was fortunate enough to play in the tournament after he won the U.S. Am. I think it was kind of neat for him to play today.''

Being an Augusta National member has its advantages. The same could be said for playing as a noncompeting marker in the Masters.

On the par-4 17th hole, Harris hooked his drive and tangled with Ike's Tree. After reaching his errant tee shot, Harris had trouble clearing the gallery. So instead of hitting to the green, Harris picked up.

Harris straightened things out on No. 18 and launched a mammoth drive.

As he left the tee, a gallery member asked Harris how he was playing. He responded, ``Pretty sloppy. I've hit some good shots, and I've hit some bad ones.''

After completing the round in a brisk three hours and 38 minutes, Harris shook hands with May, signed the scorecard and walked toward the clubhouse to join his fellow Augusta National members. May, who started the day at 1-over par, shot a 73 to go 2-over for the tournament.

The 48-year-old Harris is two years away from being eligible for the Senior PGA Tour. Considering his length off the tee and his competitive record, Harris could soon be tempted to turn professional.

Then again, he could follow the example set by lifetime amateur Bobby Jones, co-founder of the Augusta National Golf Club.

``I think John would like to think about playing the Senior Tour, but by talking to him, I think he'd rather stay a member at Augusta,'' May said.