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's final-round 77 left him in a tie for 39th.

Sunday was a missed opportunity, another failed opportunity.

I was a little frustrated with that, but it was a good week overall. I was pleased with a lot of things that happened, but I've had a lot of opportunities to finish in the top 10 this year and didn't. This would have been a nice one to have, or at least the top 16 to qualify for next year, but I failed to do so again.

I wasn't hitting my driver very well, a lot of poor tee shots and some poor irons. The main thing was my iron play was horrible. I putted well again, and got up and down when I needed to, but the biggest part was how bad my irons were.

The birdies off the green on 15 and 16 were a little relief, maybe. I've been using that club (5-wood) a lot this week and I was due to make one. The one on 16 was one of those deals - the way it went up and around there was a little luck.

Still, I was very happy to be here on Sunday. Sunday at Augusta is special. A lot of good things happened this week, and this was one of those learning experiences.

I learned a lot about my mental game. You have to stay focused on this course, and I did a lot. There's a lot I can take from this week, and I'm not going to let today get me down. I'm a little disappointed with the way it ended, but overall, I'm happy with the week. It's something I'll always remember.

You watch the Masters on TV, and then when you're here, looking around on different holes, it's pretty unique and TV does it no justice.

It's a major championship, and it feels like it from Monday to Sunday. It's my first one as a pro and you can't expect to come out here and win. I learned a lot and will move on and hopefully this experience will help me.

I had a good week of patience. I focused well on the greens, and I have a tendency to lose focus on the greens at other places.

So now when I go on to other tournaments, those 5-footers for par, I'll pay more attention to those. I just need to get my iron play a little better, and good things will happen.

We're driving to Hilton Head (Sunday) tonight. I'll enjoy the evening, and come Monday night and Tuesday morning, start another week and this will be a memory. A great memory.

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