In just his third Masters appearance, Cameron Smith is happily placed in a tie for 11th following a first-round 70.
The 25-year-old Queenslander teed off on Thursday having been grouped with Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy.
While Smith and Fowler enjoyed 70s, pre-tournament favourite McIlroy was disappointing with a 73.
Following his surprise run to a tie for fifth at Augusta National 12 months ago, Smith proved - while still early days - that he is comfortable mixing it with the best at the best.
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However, Smith conceded he had nerves teeing up at the first hole as Fowler and McIlroy, and the world, watched on.
"It was a little bit nerve-racking hitting that first one... it was a good one to get out of the way," Smith said after his round.
"I played some good golf. I missed my bad shots in the right places today.
"It wasn't the perfect round, but a couple under here in the opening round is always good.
"I'm still in it."
Smith joked he was getting the "Queensland spirit" off former rugby league player and statesman Ben Ikin, an avid golfer that is watching on in Augusta.
After starting the day with a bogey, Smith ran over par before consecutive birdies on the seventh and eighth holes brought him back.
He undid his good work with bogeys on the ninth and 11th holes, but he birdied three of his final six holes to card a 70.
"I just liked the way I stuck in there, there were a few times where it could have gotten away from me," Smith said.
"I was over par there for a while, but I had a few birdies coming in, a few nice shots.
"Benny Ikin's here as well, so I'm getting the Queensland spirit off him.
"It dried out a fair bit since Tuesday, Tuesday was slop basically.
"This place is amazing. They manage to do amazing things around here, kudos to them for doing it, it's in great shape."
