Practice with DiMarco offers lesson on course
Web posted
Saturday, April 08, 2006
On Monday, I played the front nine with David Toms, Chris DiMarco and amateur Clay Ogden, who is the Public Links champion.
David hit balls next to me on the range, and I asked him when he was going (to play). He said he and DiMarco were probably going to play. When David was done, he said, "You're welcome to join us," and I said, "Sure." Clay was on the putting green just kind of waiting on a game.
I picked up some things from DiMarco. I asked him some questions and he gave me some good advice. I learned quite a few things. It's good to talk to somebody who has had success here. He gave me a little info on a couple different shots and a few putts.
I ran into quite a few people I hadn't seen in a long time. I saw my Little League coach. I think I was 12 years old when I played for him and hadn't seen him since. I also ran into one of my teachers. I can't remember what grade she taught, it was so long ago. She was a math teacher.
One thing that makes it easier here during the practice rounds is the autograph policy. I'd forgotten that out on the course you couldn't sign autographs anymore. That was kind of a relief. Usually, during weeks with big crowds, it's tough to play practice rounds because you can't get to the next tee box for signing autographs. That made it a lot easier. Today was good. It was not hectic. It felt like a normal week.
Someone asked me when I thought I was good enough to play in the Masters. I said it was after the 2004 season. I had played with a lot of guys and saw what it was like. I knew I had a chance, and I was good enough to compete with a lot of guys out there. At the beginning of 2005, I started getting paired with the top 10 players in the world and realized, "Man, I can play with these guys." It was just a matter of doing it and believing it.
I started going to the Masters as a fan when I was 10 years old. The last year I went was in 2004. I went on Wednesday and walked out on the Par-3 Contest. I was following Chad Campbell. I've known Chad from the Hooters and Nationwide tours.
He saw me on one hole and I kind of said, "How's it going, Chad?" He just talked to me for a moment. I think it helped to see him inside the ropes knowing that I'd played against him so many times and beat him here and there. It's good to see somebody else do it before you because it makes you believe you can. It was kind of strange seeing the guys I was playing against out there.
If I don't get in next year, it might be a little awkward because I'd feel like I should belong.
Today, I might play 18 holes and probably play the back nine Wednesday and the Par-3 Contest. I don't want to get too tired playing 18 holes every day. I think rest is a big key. The course isn't exactly flat. If you get out there walking every day, come Friday or Saturday you might be worn out.
About the series
EDITOR'S NOTE: Masters Tournament rookie Vaughn Taylor, who will be the first Augusta resident to compete at the tournament in 50 years, is compiling a diary of his experiences in the 70th Masters. The 30-year-old, who has lived in Augusta since he was 6 months old, is a two-time winner on the PGA Tour. Taylor qualified for the Masters by finishing in the top 40 on the 2005 PGA Tour money list. He is sharing his thoughts with Staff Writer David Westin.
Saturday: Making it back is the next challenge
Friday: Course, nerves win battle
Thursday: Reality of tournament is beginning to sink in
Wednesday: Nerves have settled since a 'strange' opening drive
Tuesday: Practice with DiMarco offers lesson on course
Monday: With swing back, excitement builds over Masters debut
