Former amateur Matsuyama returns to Masters as pro

Hideki Matsuyama is making his third Masters Tournament appearance in four years, but this time it's different. After winning low amateur in 2011 and finishing tied for 54th the following year as an amateur, Matsuyama didn't play in 2013 in Augusta.

Now, the 22-year-old Japanese golfer will make his first Masters appearance as a professional.

"I'm trying to overcome my nervousness being a professional," he said. "I'm doing my best."

Matsuyama has posted a solid 2013-14 campaign on the PGA Tour. In seven tournaments, he's posted six top-25 finishes and is currently ranked 43rd in the FedExCup standings.

With talk of all the young guns in the Masters field this year, Matsuyama wants to be included in the conversation as a green jacket contender.

"I feel like I'm one of those who has a chance," he said. "All I can do is prepare the best I can over the next couple of days and see how it goes."