Wetterich's mission: master the weekend

Jupiter's Brett Wetterich found out last year why there's only been one player to win the Masters in his first try in the past seven decades.

Few pro golfers have had a wilder ride than Wetterich in their first trek to Augusta National. The Jupiter resident was tied for the first-round lead with Justin Rose at 69, then shot a 73 to take a one-shot lead after 36 holes as he tried to join Fuzzy Zoeller (1979), Gene Sarazen (1935) and Horton Smith (1934) as the only rookies to win the Masters.

But Wetterich's lack of course knowledge caught up with him on the weekend. He closed with rounds of 83 and 77 to finish tied for 37th. Still, he has learned something important about himself as he prepares for a return trip for this week's Masters.

"I know I have the ability to play that golf course," Wetterich said by phone Friday from Humble, Texas, where he is playing in the Shell Houston Open. "It's obviously one of the tougher ones we play all year. It was nice to play well the first two days and have a chance on the weekend. At least I didn't play horrible and was back home after two days."

Wetterich knows all about making quick transitions. In late 2005, he was back at the PGA Tour's Qualifying School after he lost his card, but less than a year later he was representing the United States on the Ryder Cup team. That's how quickly things can change in this game.

But there's no bigger stage in the golf world than the Masters. Having a chance to lead the most famous golf tournament for two days is an experience few pros enjoy. Wetterich still laughs when he tells a story about how a buddy of his was in the Florida Keys last year when he asked a guy at a bar who was leading the Masters.

"When he was told it was 'some guy named Wetterich,' he was like, 'Are you kidding me?' " Wetterich said. "That was the one of the neatest things - I did lead the Masters for two days. It's documented. Nobody can take that away from me."

But Wetterich thought for several months this year he wouldn't get a return trip to Augusta National because he was told he likely would need season-ending surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He admitted the prospect of no Masters hurt him almost as much as the shoulder.

"I was really down for a while, because I didn't think I would be able to play this year, and who knows if I would ever get back," Wetterich said. "Ever since that tournament ended last year, I've really been looking for my chance to go back."

Wetterich admits he learned plenty last year. He said his biggest mistake was to try and pretend this was just another golf tournament on just another golf course. That obviously is not the case.

"The first couple of days I got by because I was hitting the ball good and making some key putts when I needed to," he said. "But it caught up with me on the weekend. This course is so totally different than any one we play on Tour. I can't play as aggressively as I normally do by going at pins. I'm still going to be aggressive when I can, but you've got to pick your spots."

At 34, Wetterich believes he'll have more return trips to the Masters. But who knows how many chances he'll have to contend? There's plenty of top pros who had that one chance at the green jacket but never got another sniff. At least he won't be as wide-eyed this time around.

"Last year was a great experience," he said. "To have that many eyes watching me was a pretty neat thing. I can't wait to get there."

The 72nd Masters

When: Thursday-Sunday

Where: Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Ga.

Course: 7,445 yards, par 72

Purse: Approximately $7.25 million. Last year's winner received $1.305 million.

Defending champion: Zach Johnson (his winning score was one-over 289)

Area invitees: Robert Allenby, Mark Calcavecchia, Luke Donald, Raymond Floyd, Doug Ford*, Bernhard Langer, Jack Nicklaus*, Gary Player, Brett Wetterich

TV: Thursday-Friday, 4-7 p.m., 8-11 p.m., (replay), ESPN; 11:30-11:45, CBS (highlights). Saturday, 3:30-7 p.m., CBS; Sunday, 2:30-7 p.m., CBS. (There's also a bonus hour of coverage each day on www.masters.org)

Notables: For the first time this year, Wednesday's Par-3 Contest will be televised (by ESPN) from 3-5 p.m. ... Jupiter Island resident Gary Player will break Arnold Palmer's record when he plays in his 51st Masters.... Fred Couples hopes to make his 24th consecutive Masters cut, which would break the record he shares with Player.

*Past champions won't play.