Vaughn Taylor knows what to expect in this week's 71st Masters Tournament. He hopes his play will reflect that and earn him a weekend starting time at Augusta National Golf Club for the first time.

Taylor said he had problems adjusting to his schedule and surroundings during his first Masters last year. Neck pain also affected his play in the second round, and he missed the cut. (Rainier Ehrhardt/Staff)

In his Masters debut last year, the 31-year-old Augusta resident shot 75-74-149, missing the cut by a shot.

"I'm hoping it's going to be a little more familiar, that there will be less surprises and just be more relaxed and play better," he said. "Last year was a lot of new things. I didn't know what it was going to be like. I learned a lot."

What kind of surprises is Taylor talking about?

"Going to the course every day, you never knew what it was going to be like with the fans, the course or who you were playing with," Taylor said. "Each time you go out to play, it's more normal and more familiar."

On top of the new experience, Taylor's chronic neck problem flared up at the wrong time.

"Yeah, that was kind of unfortunate and bad timing that it went out on me," he said. "I felt all right on the back nine (of the second round). I can't use that as an excuse. I'd definitely like to play this year and not have my neck go out on me in the middle of the round."

Vaughn Taylor waits to putt during the pro-am competition before the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Fla. Taylor led at the start of the tournament's final round but shot 73 to finish third. (Rainier Ehrhardt/Staff)

An off-course commitment on Monday of Masters Week last year took Taylor out of his routine. Especially since it came on the first true practice round of the biggest week of his life.

"It's kind of hard to explain, but every day you wake up and expect to get dressed and go to the golf course and do your thing," Taylor said.

There was some question whether Taylor would get another shot at Augusta National this year. It wasn't until he shot 30 on the back nine at the Chrysler Classic, the final full-field event of the year, that Taylor secured his Masters invitation by finishing among the top 40 on the money list. He finished 35th.

"It was a big day for me," said Taylor, who shot 69 in the final round with 10 putts on his final nine holes to finish tied for 13th place. "I knew I had to play good that day. A middle-of-the-pack finish wasn't going to do it."

If Taylor hadn't gotten into the Masters, the tone of the early part of this season would have been totally different.

"I wouldn't have as much to look forward to in April," Taylor said. "I'd still be trying to get in through the world ranking or money list. I'd be pushing pretty hard to get in."

Being in the field has taken some of the pressure off Taylor in the run-up to his hometown tournament.

"It gives you a sense of, 'I have time to get ready and I don't have to shoot lights out right now to qualify,'" Taylor said. "I can just be patient. It's nice not to have to worry about having to win or do something really great to get in."

Taylor has come close to winning this year. He was the 54-hole leader in the Arnold Palmer Invitational in mid-March after rounds of 64-71-67. He closed with 73 to finish third.

"I feel like my game is coming around and I'm playing good," Taylor said after the event.

Even though Taylor said he "didn't get it done" in the final round of the Arnold Palmer tournament, the experience will help him get prepared for the Masters.

"Anytime you're in the last group on Sunday, there is a lot of pressure," he said.

"It definitely helps you learn what your body does and what you think. You take the positives from it."

Making the 2007 Masters field capped a memorable 2006 for Taylor.

In addition to playing in his first Masters, he made the U.S. Ryder Cup team for the first time. Though he went 0-1-1 in the loss to Europe, his record didn't take anything away from the accomplishment of making the team or the resulting experience.

"I think anytime you have some success and kind of prove yourself, it will help you day in and day out be a better player and get more confidence," Taylor said.

Making the team also increased his profile in the game.

"If you played well and made the Ryder Cup team and nobody said anything, you would feel pretty bad," Taylor said. "It's pretty neat. The Ryder Cup is a big deal, and a lot of people noticed."

Reach David Westin at (706) 823-3224 or david.westin@augustachronicle.com.