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, is sharing his thoughts with Morris News Service writer Jon Mark Beilue. Palmer is 2-under par through 16 holes of the first round.

It's the Masters, yes, but it's also another golf tournament, too. I played in 33 of them last year, and 10 this year. Though it's Augusta National and the most prestigious golf tournament in the world, I didn't let myself get caught up in that.

I couldn't let the fact that this is the Masters get into my head. I've been too focused and had three great days before this, so I knew I was ready.

I'm sure people see the name Palmer on the leaderboard, and they think Arnold. This is Arnold's place.

I'm honored to be a Palmer. He's a super guy. He called me "Cuz" at Bay Hill. I get asked if I'm kin to him all the time.

It would be hard to do what he's done, that's for sure.

Maybe Palmer Part II, but I'll take it one year at a time.

I had a light lunch with David Toms, and I asked him if all the water would make the greens different. He said they wouldn't be as hard, but the speed would be no different, and he was right.

I hit some superb shots, and my putting was unbelievable. It's the best I've putted in a long time. I thought some of my par putts were the best because they kept me in it when it could have got away from me.

I had two really good par putts on No. 18 and No. 4 (after driving into the front bunker) and two good ones on No. 5.

Three birdies in the first six holes got me going, but in the past, I've had good starts and then struggled to finish the round. I kept telling myself to stay patient. Before, I might have got on a bogey streak like I did after a careless bogey on No. 2.

On No. 7 they blew the horn after my drive, but I told James (caddie James Edmondson) that I really wanted to finish. The wind was into me, and I thought I could hit a sand wedge and spin it back and then make a putt.

Then I knock in about a 20-footer for birdie. That gives me a lot of confidence. Now I can go to bed happy.

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