I've kind of been spoiled, driving in here. Driving down Magnolia Lane, you get used to it a little bit. It's still a little strange driving in with all the traffic. All the fans walking in. I'm usually one of the guys walking in the other gate. So it's a little different. (On Monday,) I got a little nervous driving in for the first time. (On Tuesday,) it was a little bit more normal.

I felt totally relaxed out there (Tuesday). I wasn't nervous at all, not even the first tee. The first tee (Monday) I was a little nervous. Being at home's going to make me more relaxed.

I wanted to see the whole course after playing nine Monday. I played Amen Corner for the first time this week. I did all right. I made mostly pars, and that's about it.

It's playing a little better now. On 11, I hit 6-iron in. This warm weather, it's drying up a bit, playing a little shorter.

At No. 12, it was tough. When we were on the tee I was watching the flag blow. And it would change constantly. It seemed to do that all day. It's tricky around there. My caddie would tell me where the wind was supposed to be. I'd look up at the flag and it's blowing the opposite way. Strange. You've got to trust it and hope it's there up above.

I've learned a ton. On every hole you learn something new every day.

I'm kind of working on my fundamentals. I'm just trying to sharpen them up a little.

It was a long day. It just seemed like a long practice round. You're just hitting so many practice shots around the green. It just seems like it takes a long time.

I'm probably going to go rest for a little while. Get off my feet. Just standing makes my legs tired.

I want to enjoy the experience. It's nice for everybody to come out and root me on.

Today, I'm going to play nine holes, the back nine. I played the front nine Monday. I'll probably practice in the morning, play nine, take a break and play the Par-3.

(His father, Jack, is caddieing for him in the Par-3 Contest.) It's pretty special. It brought a tear to his eye. Hopefully, we'll just go out there and have a good time. I'm happy for him being able to get out there and do this.

He's caddied for me before. It's been a long time. He can make it around the Par-3.

I've played a few practice rounds over there. It's awesome. It's a lot of fun. It's something I'm looking forward to. I think it'll definitely open my eyes to be participating in it.

I haven't really thought about it if I'm in contention going into the ninth hole. (No Par-3 winner has gone on to win the Masters in the same year.) I don't know if I'll intentionally hit a few into the water. I'll make that decision when I get there.

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