I felt good. I got a lot of rest last night (Tuesday). I'm a little tired now. I didn't get enough to eat. So I'm getting a little weak.

Vaughn Taylor's father, Jack, hands his son a ball on No. 9 in the Par-3 Contest. Vaughn let his father putt on the final hole. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

(On Wednesday) morning, I got here at about 10:30. I hit some balls for a little over an hour and a half. I grabbed a quick bite to eat.

I went to No. 10 and played nine holes with Jason Bohn, Stewart Cink and Sean O'Hair. I was just trying to get a feel for the greens. I wanted to see some of the faster putts that I haven't had yet. Basically, I just don't want to have any surprises. But I'm sure I will.

I just tried to look at a few bunkers. And I just tried to hit a few fast putts. I just tried to learn as much as possible.

The Par-3 Contest was awesome. I played with Lucas Glover and Craig Stadler. I just had a good time. I was very relaxed. We were just talking, having a good time. It was pretty cool. It was actually more relaxed than I thought it would be. It was fun. I really enjoyed it. There were a lot of Augusta folks down there.

On the second hole, I hit it to four feet. That was the closest I hit it. None of us hit any holes-in-one or anything too close. So there were no loud roars. But I had a good time.

(Taylor let his father, Jack, who caddied for him, hit his putt on the final hole.) I had seen guys with their little kids, letting them putt. Lucas Glover's caddie hit his putt. I didn't know if it was customary or what. Lucas did it for his caddie so I thought I'd do it for my dad.

Taylor signs autographs at the driving range. The Masters rookie said he will be nervous when he tees off today. (Annette M. Drowlette/Staff)

It was a little four-footer. I thought he'd knock it in. I'm sure he would have liked to have knocked it in. Oh well. I don't expect him to jump off the bag and knock a four-footer in on the par-3 tournament. Maybe next year.

I'm just going to go home, eat a good dinner and get some rest. I've got to get up fairly early. I'll probably get up at 5:45. Usually, I like to get up three hours before my tee time. (Taylor tees off at 8:44 with Raymond Floyd and Rocco Mediate.)

I'll probably arrive here about an hour and a half before my tee time. I'll eat breakfast. Then, I'll go to the putting green. I'll putt first and then hit a few chips. Then I'll hit some balls and I'll go to the tee.

I don't know what to expect. I imagine there will be a lot of people out. I'm sure I'll be nervous on the first tee. I'm looking forward to it. I'm ready to get it under way. Get to playing. Get to the competition.

It's the tournament. So it's going to be for real. Hopefully, I'll be out there on the first hole in tournament mode and I'll be relaxed. Once I get in there and start playing for real, I'll be fine.

I've been here three days. So it's definitely beginning to sink in.

Vaughn Taylor prepares a shot on the practice range prior to the Par 3 Tournament of the 2006 Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club Wednesday April 5, 2006. (Annette M. Drowlette/Staff)

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