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 shot 74 on Saturday's rain-delayed second round to make the cut and tie for 11th at even-par 144. In the late-starting third round, he was 2-over through 14 holes when play was suspended because of darkness.

From a mental standpoint, with the patience I had, I'd say Saturday was an A-plus. Obviously, I didn't get off to the start I wanted (three consecutive bogeys) when we came out to finish the second round. I didn't play that bad, I just didn't have things go my way.

But making those birdies on 15, 16 and 17, oh, it was awesome knowing the patience I had to come back and do that. I get in those grooves. I make a birdie, I get in the zone where I think I can make two or three in a row. And I do it a lot when I'm down, when I'm 3- or 4-over par, and I was able to do it Saturday.

Starting the third round, that wait was miserable. They were saying 3 o'clock, and I'm on the range at 2:10 warming up and I don't tee off until 4:30. I was on the range about 30 minutes and went on to the putting green. I bet I was on the putting green an hour, at least. So that was a little frustrating.

But I hit the ball well today. Some three-putts got me.

I'd like to come out (today), make a few birdies, put a good round in ... and maybe sneak into the top 10 for the tournament.

There's definitely a sense of satisfaction in making the cut. It's my first major as a pro and it's the Masters. To play as well as I have and making the cut, I've got to be happy with that.

My confidence is back in my golf swing more than I had the last two tournaments at The Players and Bay Hill. So that's a bonus for me.

I've got my driver back that I'm hitting well, I'm putting well, my irons are good. My swing feels great.

I can build on this the next couple of weeks, for sure. This is definitely a big confidence-booster coming here, playing well and making the cut.

I could come out (today), make a couple of birdies early, and who knows what could happen?

It's going to be hard, obviously, to win, but my goal is to finish in the top 10. Top 10 in the Masters my first time would be quite an accomplishment.

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