Falling short on the final day of the US Masters has not dampened American Brandt Snedeker's enthusiasm as he heads into the Heritage Classic in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Snedeker, who dissolved into tears after battling to a five-over-par 77 in the final round at Augusta National, has gained perspective on what he achieved in the year's opening major.
"I did a lot of great things last week," Snedeker told reporters during preparations for the opening round at the picturesque Harbour Town Golf Links. "I was emotional because I came too close to living out one of my dreams and I wasn't able to do it. It's part of life, part of golf."
Two strokes behind eventual winner Trevor Immelman of South Africa going into the final round at Augusta National, Snedeker briefly moved into a tie for the lead before sliding back in gusting winds.
A mixed bag of nine bogeys, an eagle and two birdies left him in a share of third spot, his first top-10 finish in five major championship starts.
"I drove up here on Monday and realised that I finished third in the Masters as my first time as a professional," the 27-year-old native of Nashville said. "I got to play in the last group two days in a row and jumped up in the world rankings.
Obviously, there was a lot of disappointment for me on Sunday and I think you all kind of saw the emotions run over. But I don't regret how I played. I don't regret how I handled myself afterwards.
"Nobody died, we're fine, life goes on. There's a whole lot more important stuff in the world to worry about than me crying because I played one bad round of golf."
