Laid-back John Sendon was not about to get overawed heading back down Magnolia Lane for a fifth Augusta appearance.
The affable Queenslander and devout Brisbane Bronco’s NRL fan made his Masters debut in 2008 and after a three-year absence he returned in 2012 and then for a first occasion played all four rounds last year to finish T35th behind close friend and Masters champion Adam Scott.
Senden arrived back to Augusta National on Saturday and was out this morning (Sunday) getting his first look at the course before playing a practice round on Tuesday alongside Scott, Steven Bowditch and US Open runner-up Oliver Goss.
However while Senden has battled to qualify in past years he arrived at Augusta National with a real spring in his step after having captured the recent Valspar Championship at Tampa Bay in Florida.
“I’ve done this before going early to Augusta early but then two years ago I played in Houston,” he said.
“So I think going early as I have done this year I think that works better for me as I did last year where I secured my best result ever.
John Senden playing the 13th hole during last year’s Masters.
“I’ve also come here in a different light as a recent tournament winner.
“Every other year I’ve just battled my way to finish top-30 on the FedEx Cup so that’s been the big difference for me this year.
“Winning the Valspar Championship has done wonders for my confidence but then I still want to keep it low key. So I don’t want to put too much expectation on myself and will just enjoy the moment and hopefully go out come Thursday and just do my best.”
Senden’s young 10-year old son, Jacob is in for a real thrill as he will caddy for his father for all nine holes in Wednesday’s Par Three Contest.
“I’ve got him a little golf bag to carry so he’s really excited,” said Senden.
“The last two years he’s just come on to the 9th green to putt out but I think he’s big enough to wander around the Par 3 Contest carrying a few clubs.”
And Senden was quizzed if he will miss the Eisenhower Tree and he remarked: “To be honest with you I’ve never hit the Eisenhower Tree though I’ve come close a few times (laughing)”.
