Cam Davis living childhood dream at Augusta but second time around has his eyes on the prize

Aussie Cam Davis finished 46th at his first Masters but second time around he’s less of a wide-eyed dreamer and more of a hopeful winner.

His second time at Augusta has been no less eye-opening for Cameron Davis, but the Aussie world No.62 has also declared he’s a “little bit calmer” in 2024 and spent Monday doing a little less sightseeing and more dialled in Masters preparation.

Davis played his first Masters in 2022, finishing 46th, and returns as a more rounded PGA Tour player after a Presidents Cup debut in 2022 and a trip to the FedEx Cup playoffs in 2023.

The 29-year-old declared he needed to “ramp up the game a little bit” while still soaking in the surreal surrounds of Augusta National because he won’t have a chance of winning if he doesn’t.

“I’m going to need to ramp up the game a little bit. I think today was more getting used to being here again, making sure I take in all the sights and acknowledge that yes, they’re amazing, and it is like a childhood dream coming back here,” he said after Monday practice round.

“So you need a day to appreciate that and not be too worried where the ball is going and kind of enjoy the surroundings, but it’s not too far off.

“The first time you’re here, you’re just so happy to be here. The second time you’re so happy to be here, but now you know what it’s about, now you can spend a little bit more time prepping yourself for the golf you need to play rather than just being in awe of the place the entire time.

Cameron Smith and Cameron Davis at the 2022 Masters. Picture: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

“Definitely this year I feel a little calmer out here, a little more at ease with the environment, with some of the shots you’ve got to play. In that regard it does feel like I’m a little more getting to business this week rather than just here to enjoy the ride.”

Davis has a few family and friends in Augusta with him to enjoy that ride because that’s what you do when you get to the Masters, the dream for so many, to ensure it’s memorable whether you play well or not.

“Honestly, the more things you add on top of a regular week, the more demanding it can be on you,” he said.

“But it is awesome to share this with them because they grew up and have been watching it alongside me for my whole childhood up until now.

Tiger Woods and Will Zalatoris embrace the skipping tradition at No. 16. #themasterspic.twitter.com/MpHrP6hng0

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 8, 2024

“For a few of them, it’s their first time. For a few of them, it’s their second time. I think my goal is to be more calm than they are for sure.

“I think when I have played my best it’s not because I overprepared, it’s not because I spent every night thinking about every shot I’m about to play. I just did my job, went home, came back, did my job again.

“I need to figure out how this works best for me and go from there.”

Davis is one of six Australians in the Masters with 2013 champ Adam Scott, Cam Smith, Jason Day, Min Woo Lee and amateur Jasper Stubbs.

Originally published as Cam Davis living childhood dream at Augusta but second time around has his eyes on the prize