AUGUSTA, Georgia - Masters newcomers confront the dual challenge of fulfilling childhood dreams while managing intense pressure at golf's most prestigious venue.
PGA Tour veteran Ben Griffin calls it a "dream come true" after capturing three tour wins last season. The Augusta National course remains largely unfamiliar territory for many debutants.
"Once you get to Amen Corner everything kind of gets a bit more peaceful," Griffin observed.
Chris Gotterup, winner of two PGA Tour titles this year, focuses on embracing the complete Masters experience.
"I'm trying to take it all in and enjoy it while also trying to go out there and compete," he said.
Nerves will arrive primarily from the historic significance rather than the course itself.
Jacob Bridgeman, Genesis Invitational champion, describes the stark difference between spectating and competing inside Augusta's ropes.
Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion Fifa Laopakdee expects first-tee anxiety as inevitable.
"Everyone is always going to feel nervous on the first tee, even the best player in the world," he said.
The essential Masters skill for newcomers: accepting nerves while trusting they belong.