Call it home-field advantage. Call it an added burden of performing well.

Augusta native Charles Howell talks with a friend in the gallery during his practice round. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

Either way, Augusta hopefuls Vaughn Taylor and Charles Howell have a firm base of fans, family and friends supporting them this week.

"He has a great walk," said Karen Diebel, a family friend of Howell who watched as he approached the 17th hole Tuesday. "He walks like a champion."

Next to Diebel was Kelly Leadbetter, of Orlando, Fla., who is the wife of Howell's golf coach, David Leadbetter.

"I've known him since he was 11. He has a great family and a lot of local support," she said of Howell while watching his approach shot to the green.

Leadbetter said she sees Howell maturing into a great player and knows it would mean a lot for him to play well at the Masters Tournament this week. She said a win any year would be great, but "it would be special if it was this year, too."

The reason for that is the 20th anniversary of Augusta native Larry Mize's 1987 Masters victory.

Spectators join Howell to watch his tee shot fly into the distance on the 14th hole. (Rainier Ehrhardt/Staff)

Taylor, an Augusta resident and former Augusta State University golfer, has his own following.

"It's great - a lot of old friends and family supporting you," he said.

Among the most loyal fans Tuesday was his dad, Jack.

"It's really amazing to be out here watching him play," Taylor's father said. He said that 20 years ago, both he and his son were among the gallery.

Other than that, what's Taylor's local support like at the course?

"Friends? You ain't got enough paper," his dad said with a laugh.

Vaughn Taylor hits out of a sand trap around the sixth green. (Chris Thelen/Staff)

Jack Taylor said he feels his son is playing good golf.

"I think he's a little more relaxed this year," he said.

On the possibility of an Augusta player winning 20 years after Mize did, Taylor's father said, "It would be unbelievable, but I just want him to have four good days."

Fans of both think the two are playing well enough to contend.

"Charles Howell is playing good right now," said fan John Cartee, of Liberty, S.C. "I think he's definitely got a chance."

George MacDonald, of Virginia Beach, Va., agreed but said Taylor also is quickly improving.

Taylor's father, Jack Taylor, waits for his son on the 17th hole. (Rainier Ehrhardt/Staff)

"He seems to be coming on," MacDonald said of Taylor. "I'd say Howell probably is one of those people who has superstardom potential."

Potential and support aside, fan Lee Summers, of Virginia Beach, echoed a sentiment about Taylor and Howell that many voiced throughout the course Tuesday.

"It's tough to win in your hometown," he said.

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.