In a case of perfect timing, Shane Lowry finished up on the ninth green – ready for a lunch pit stop before resuming his preparatory work on the back nine – just as Bubba Watson teed off the first.

Boom! No holding back. The ball flew off the pink-shafted club face and sailed over the fairway bunker, a shot that requires a carry of 290 yards.

The Irishman, a player-turned-spectator for just that split-second, grinned one of those wry ones. “Not many people that can do that,” said Lowry, with a sort of tip-of-the-hat respect.

There’s only one Bubba, to be sure. But Lowry – on a maiden journey into the Masters – is his own man too.

And, having celebrated his 28th birthday last week, the Offaly man’s upward graph in world golf means that the fear factor that works its way into Augusta rookies may not impact so much.

Even Pádraig Harrington has helped ease the way, providing Lowry with a sneak view into his meticulously assembled yardage books that date back a decade and a half.

Best advice

“The best advice I can offer Shane is to know there is a certain shot he has to be able to play that he would not have played anywhere else in his career,” said Harrington, adding: “As much an experienced player as Shane is, it’s still tough being a first-timer at the Masters. But then he’s a good player, a very mature player . . . he’s earned his place at the Masters and I am sure he will handle himself admirably.”

All five of the Irish contingent hit the course yesterday.

Graeme McDowell was first out, playing alongside Thomas Bjorn for the front nine; Rory McIlroy played 18 holes with British amateur champion Bradley Neil; Lowry played the front nine and was then joined by Harrington for the back nine; and Darren Clarke, last of all of them to arrive, worked on the range.

The Masters has been such a part of Lowry’s aspirations that simply getting here led to him having a lump in his throat as he drove down Magnolia Lane for the first time on Sunday.

The plan was to play off the first, but the logjam ahead led to him simply playing the back nine – accompanied by Kevin Na and Australian amateur Antonio Murdaca – for his first playing acquaintance with the course.

Just before teeing off, though, he took a slight detour to see where Rory McIlroy’s tee shot on the 10th hole of the final round in 2011 had finished up. Curiosity and all of that.

Lowry opted to stay in Orlando last week to prepare at Lake Nona for his maiden appearance at Augusta.

But yesterday provided a full 18 holes preparation, a chance to play catch-up on those who have stored the nuances of this famed course from past visits.

“I’m excited, very excited about the whole week. I’m just trying to get my game in shape. It’s going to be quite difficult.

“The greens are severe in places and take a bit of getting used to. But I am really enjoying it, it’s an amazing experience so far anyway,” said Lowry, one of 20 first-time players in the field.

Speed bumps

The roadmap to the Masters has had its share of speedbumps for Lowry.

“It’s been a journey. I’m a few years pro now and it is great to be here.”

Still working out his tactics, Lowry said: “I’ll try to hit my driver straight and then to hit it into the middle of the green. Obviously,you get a lot of advice from different people but I had a good chat with my coach Neil (Manchip) and decided to go to try and figure it out for ourselves.

“That’s what I am trying to do this week. I’m generally quite good at getting to know courses. I think I will be okay,” added the confident Offaly man.

Part of getting to the Masters as a first-time player is to enjoy the experience. As far as Lowry is concerned, that means soaking it all in on the practice days. Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. From then on, it is the really serious business end of affairs.

“By Thursday. I’m going to be used to it, it’s going to be like coming to another event. You have got to enjoy the experience but not let it get to you either,” said Lowry.

He is the only one of the Irish quintet in the illustrious field to be a Masters rookie.

But he is determined to be a quick learner.