World number one and career Grand Slam-chasing Rory McIroy yesterday took Perthshire’s British Amateur champion Bradley Neil under his wing.
And the pair – at opposite ends of the career spectrum – are set to share another tee-time tomorrow in the Par 3 competition which acts as the traditional precursor to the first Major of the season.
A chat over lunch during an earlier visit to Augusta National paved the way for the hook-up between the celebrated Northern Irishman and the 19-year-old Blairgowrie Golf Club member with his sights trained on joining the professional ranks later this year.
The rookie Scot is also set to join Gleneagles Ryder Cup star Stephen Gallacher for nine holes today as the countdown continues to Thursday’s opening round in Augusta, with former winner Sandy Lyle being invited to join them.
Junior Ryder Cup player Neil said: “Rory is a genuine guy and he had asked me to play nine holes at Augusta when we talked at the Ryder Cup last year at Gleneagles.
“And the arrangements were firmed up last week when we met in the clubhouse after playing our separate practice rounds.”
He admitted soaking-up information from the 2015 tournament favourite like a sponge during their round.
With huge galleries following the Northern Irishman, he noted: “It was great to have an early chance to play in front of big crowds. It was an ice breaker.”
At The Open at Holyoke last summer, Neil warmed-up in the company of Gallacher and past winner Paul Lawrie.
And Gallacher extended an invitation to play nine holes in Georgia, with former champion and fellow Scot Sandy Lyle assured he would be welcome to join them.
Neil, who is eager to stake a claim for the top amateur accolade, is determined to maximise the Masters experience as he lays the groundwork for a pro career.
He joined his fellow amateurs at a dinner in the Augusta clubhouse last night and stayed overnight in the Crow’s Nest.
Neil made it clear his intention is to learn from the week, just as he did at the Open, and to savour the experience.
“The first tee at Hoylake was intimidating, you were walking into a mini stadium really. But to be fair it was quite cool.
“The stands were packed because there were a few marquee names before and after me. Tom Watson and Jim Furyk were in the group behind.
“Fans were dying to see them play. It was good to have the chance to hit a tee shot in front of a few people. I was nervous. That is always the case with a first tee shot. But I stuck to my routine and that is my biggest friend on the golf course. Hopefully it will be the same come Thursday.
“I remember winning a European play-off for Scotland was a special moment. Then there was the amateur final last year at Royal Portrush. They have all built-up to Thursday when I have to hit a good shot off that first tee and try to take it on from there.”
The presence of fallen American idol Tiger Woods at Augusta has delighted Neil, whose own Masters memories revolve around a sporting idol in his pomp.
Injury plagued former champion Woods may have plummeted out of the top 100 and no one knows quite what to expect on his return to the fray at one of his favourite venues – but the charisma endures.
Neil confirmed: “I grew up watching Tiger play and win at the Masters so, for me, his presence here makes the whole week even more special.”