Tom Watson muscled his way back into the Emirates Australian Open and then offered 14-year old Masters debutant, Tialiang Guan the opportunity to play an Augusta National practice round with him next April.

The 63-year old Watson will be making his 40th appearance in the Masters while Guan is already excited in making his debut after qualifying by winning the recent Asian Amateur title in Thailand.

Guan recorded a second round 70 but at eight over par the teenager will easily miss the halfway cut in the event being played at The Lakes course in suburban Sydney.

However the youngster and his parents waited around for Watson to complete his second round and with Watson showing all the wealth of capturing eight Majors battling the bright but continued windy conditions in posting a second day 68 to move inside the expected cut-off mark.

Watson was introduced to young Guan and joking with the Chinese sensation saying:  “So you’re going to Augusta but you’re just a little kid.

“But do you want to play a practice round next year?”  And with Guan nodding his head, Watson said:  “Great!  Let’s do it.  Let’s play Tuesday afternoon.  Are you happy with that?    Let’s play around, oh, let’s say about one o’clock.   Alright, good.  I look forward to it.”

Watson then enquired about Guan’s game and how he had performed over the two rounds in Sydney.

Guan said:  “Not very good.  I shot 70 this morning so it was a little bit better.”

Watson then wished Guan ‘good luck’ and said he looked forward to meeting him next April at Augusta.

Watson won the Masters in 1977 at just his fourth appearance and then four years later in 1981, and next April will mark his 40th anniversary appearance in the traditional new season-opening Major.

And the extremely affable American was asked by www.golfbytourmiss.com what advice he would offer Guan.

“I remember when I first went to Augusta I played five practice rounds ahead of the tournament and that was wonderful to be able to play the course so many times, and I hope he doesn the same thing,” said Watson.

“The course is going to be open to him well before the gates open officially on the Monday before, so go play it and get use to Augusta as there is a lot of course knowledge.

“I’m sure he will get a good caddy to help him around there and that will be really good for him to get used to the position to be in off the tees and then get a feel for the greens.

“I remember my first Masters in 1970.  I was an amateur all of 20 years old but then missed the cut by three.  I could have made the cut as an amateur but it didn’t happen.

“But I like to help the younger players as they remind me of me. I like that because I know the feelings they have.  When I was a youngster the older guys gave me advice when I asked for it.

“So I now do the same thing for the younger players.”

And with Watson to drive down Augusta National for the 40th occasion next April he admitted he will tee up on Thursday afternoon still experiencing butterflies in the stomach.

“I still get nervous on the first tee, sure do and that’s when you put the key in the ignition, turn it and you hope that engine starts (laughing).”