Byron Meth picks up tips during practice rounds

Byron Meth is entering his first Masters Tournament as a 22-year-old amateur, so nerves are expected for the Pacific senior.

Meth said he’s starting to get those nerves under control with each round at Augusta National Golf Club, and practice-round playing partners have helped.

“I’m getting more and more comfortable each day,” Meth said. “The last couple days have been an absolute blast.”

He has played with a host of competitors who have experience at Augusta, including Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Stephen Gallacher. He said he picked up valuable tips while playing with them.

“It was fantastic,” Meth said. “Gallacher told me some stories, little insider stuff that I wouldn’t have got if I was out there by myself. It was a really good time and a lot of fun.”

Meth won the final installment of the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship to earn his Masters invitation. The San Diego native beat fellow stroke-play medalist Doug Ghim on the first playoff hole.