AUGUSTA, GA-- When BYU's Clay Ogden steps up to the first tee box on Thursday, April 6th at the Augusta National Golf Club, he will be fulfilling a lifelong dream that few golfers enjoy.
Labeled by many to be the "Super Bowl" of golf, the Masters tournament will proudly feature a little known amateur from West Point, Utah.
One would think playing on the biggest stage in golf as an amateur would be nerve racking, but Clay seems to be the exception in this case.
"For me, The Masters is as good as it gets," Clay said. "I am excited for the whole experience next week and to play in front of the crowd."
Clay got a taste of what it is like to play in front of a large crowd when he won the Amateur Public Links tournament in July of last year. He played his quarterfinal match against teenage-phenom Michelle Wie.
"It was unreal (the match with Wie), with all the media and cameras following us," Clay said. "It was great to play someone of her caliber; I loved every second of it."
Clay who failed to make the traveling squad for BYU golf team last spring has made drastic improvements on his game.
Todd Miller, BYU's assistant coach, said the biggest difference in Clay's game has been confidence.
"Clay has all the tools; he just lacked the confidence last year... something just clicked for him before last year's tournament, and now he believes he's going to go out and play well every tournament," Miller said.
So just how does an amateur golfer prepare for such an event?
Clay said that he has made a few swing adjustments, but is mostly focusing on his short game.
"Chipping and putting in my mind is extremely important at that golf course," he said.
Clay also said he is excited to have his family down with him to enjoy the whole experience. His Dad gets the honor of being his caddie which is extra special for Clay.
"He's my biggest supporter," Clay said. "He got me started in this game when I was four-years-old and has always been there to help me throughout my career."
So what does Clay hope to take out of this experience?
"My goal is to make the cut," he said. "Usually you make the cut if you are within 10 shots of the leader after the first two rounds. Either way, playing with these quality athletes will better prepare me for future tournaments."
Tournament play begins Thursday, April 6th and runs through Sunday, April 9th.