Editor's Note: Ryan Palmer , a second-year PGA Tour player, is compiling a daily diary on his experiences at his first Masters Tournament. Palmer, 28, of Amarillo, Texas, qualified by finishing in the top 40 on the 2004 money list in his rookie year. He finished 37th. Palmer is sharing his thoughts with Morris News Service writer Jon Mark Beilue.

This is almost like a reward, I'd say, knowing what I accomplished last year in my first year is almost unbelievable. To qualify for the Masters in your second year, not a lot of players can do that. A lot of hard work and dedication paid off.

The Masters has always been a big goal of mine - it's the one tournament you want to play. Watching it on TV growing up, I wondered what it would be like to play in. And now it's almost reality. I'm sure on Thursday there will be some butterflies.

It means a lot to have my family here (parents Butch and Gloria Palmer, wife Jennifer, and in-laws Jim and Beverly Fuller). Getting to share this with them is part of an awesome week. Those are the people you care most about, who have supported me all these years.

It won't take away from my focus. To me, it's the same players I've played against all year. The Masters, it's different, because it's a major. My goal every week is to get into a position to win. I've won before, and if it happens this week, that would make it more special. I'm not going into the tournament just wanting to make the cut. I think you limit yourself when you think that way. I'll go in this week with the same attitude, and that's to put myself in contention to win.

I've had a couple of rough gos the last two tournaments (missed cuts at TPC and Bay Hill). Nothing bad going on, but I need to work on my irons and get a little more solid. I'm driving the ball good, and it's just a matter of getting some confidence, getting comfortable. The last couple of tournaments have not been easy with the weather. It's a matter of going out and playing like I can, and we'll be ready.

Ryan Palmer's Masters Diary

Editor's Note: Ryan Palmer, a second-year PGA Tour player, is compiling a daily diary on his experiences at his first Masters Tournament. Palmer, 28, of Amarillo, Texas, qualified by finishing in the top 40 on the 2004 money list in his rookie year. He finished 37th. Palmer is sharing his thoughts with Morris News Service writer Jon Mark Beilue.

Monday, April 11: Palmer to savor taste of Masters Sunday, April 10: Delays test rookie's nerves Saturday, April 9: A short day on the course leaves a lot to think about Friday, April 8: Putts keep Palmer in game, birdie builds his confidence Thursday, April 7: 'Caddie, fiance cope with death Wednesday, April 6: There's time to relax, and time to learn Tuesday, April 5: 'Television does no justice for this course' Monday, April 4: First-timer brings high hopes