As the sun rose over Augusta National, Matt McCarty started his first Masters in professional golf. The 27-year-old, who grew up as a strong amateur, faced a hard test on the opening day. He began with a double-bogey on the first hole and then a bogey on the par-5 second hole. A rough start did not shake him. It sparked a change that soon made his name known as the weekend neared.
McCarty played the next 16 holes with calm and clear focus. He ended at 5-under par. "I did not get too rattled," he said. He set aside his early errors and kept his eyes on his plan. He fought to simply make the cut after his rough beginning.
The shift came on hole six. There, he found his pace and made four birdies in a row. "I did not hit a good shot until six," he said with a smile. His words show how quickly the game can change.
For McCarty, this Masters was more than a contest. It brought back memories of visiting the course as a young boy in 2009 with his father. The hills and the sweet taste of southern hospitality stayed with him. He remembered "good sweet tea and moon pies" fondly.
He prepared hard for such a well-known event. He played a strict practice round at Augusta National before The Players Championship. This challenge, set by himself, aimed to mirror the true feel of a tournament. It helped him handle the changing weather.
During Friday’s round, when facing new tests, he stayed calm about the next round. Asked if he had plans if he did not play into the weekend, he said, "I probably would have hung out for a couple days. But it is much nicer to finish the round this way."
McCarty’s play marks him as a rising golfer. His skill at turning a poor start into a strong finish gives hope to new players. One moment on the course can change all, and his clear focus can bring a surprise win. As he enters the weekend, fans and experts will watch him claim his spot and light the way for future players.