EDITOR'S NOTE: Ryan Palmer , in his second year on the PGA Tour, is compiling a daily diary on his experiences at his first Masters Tournament. Palmer, of Amarillo, Texas, qualified by finishing among 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.

It's nice to share this week with all my family, with (wife) Jennifer. I guess it can be stressful at times, but it's a good time with everybody together. I know they're having fun being here, and I want them here as well. We're going to enjoy this experience.

When I get to the golf course, it's just me and (caddie James Edmondson). We have a good time out there, and when I'm done here, I'll go back, and Jennifer and I will have a couple of nights together by ourselves, just get away from everybody and relax.

Then we'll have time for everybody else, and have fun, cook out a couple of times and get away from golf and not think about it.

We got out to the course about 10:15, 10:30, stretched a little bit, went on the range and found Fred (Couples), because that's who I wanted to play with. I hit balls for about 20 minutes and then teed off.

I'm really excited about my practice round. I went back to my old driver and am driving the ball really well. What (swing coach) Neil Wilkins and I worked on last Tuesday is carrying over to this week.

My irons are really solid. The greens, that's the main thing. Getting the ball in the right spot and making putts, that's going to be the key this week.

This round was about the same as Monday. I hit the ball good then, and hit it good today. I worked on my short game a lot more, a lot more chips. The main thing is just seeing different parts of the green.

Playing with Fred Couples and Ray Floyd and learning different parts of the greens, and where to hit certain shots, that was a big help. I enjoyed spending time with their experience out here. What more could you ask for?

They were a lot of help. They've seen the lay of the land. They know where to hit it, where not to hit it, where all the pins are.

I just plan to go home and relax a little bit. We're going to a little party tonight here at the club that Jennifer and I were invited to, so we'll enjoy ourselves and meet some of the members here.

The Par 3 tournament, I don't know what to expect. Playing with Chad Campbell , a good friend of mine, and Chris Riley , though, it's going to be fun. It will be good to get away from the course and not think too much about what's going to happen the next four days.

But I'm ready to get going. It's been a long time waiting to play this tournament. My game's in good shape. I'm hitting the ball well. I'm putting well enough that with another good day of practicing my putting, I'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