Amateur Matt Parziale living out dream at Masters

They joked and laughed. They shared stories and strategy.

It seemed as though they'd been lifelong friends.

"We have been," Matt Parziale joked.

Perhaps in his dreams. Yet during Wednesday's practice round at the Masters, Parziale's dream was very much a reality as he played a front-nine practice round at Augusta National Golf Club with Tiger Woods. The same Woods that he and thousands of others grew up idolizing.

"He's kind, a great guy," Parziale said. "He was great to talk to, whether it was about life or talking about how to play the course. It was great conversation and great company."

And a great experience for the Brockton, Mass., amateur whose winding journey in golf has landed him at the ultimate destination. At 8:52 a.m. Thursday, Parziale's dream week — one that began with a Monday practice round with Rory McIlroy — will continue when he tees it up with 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir and Brendan Steele.

Six years ago, the notion of playing in any PGA tournament, let alone the Masters, seemed a bit far-fetched. After three years of trying to make it as a professional golfer, Parziale abandoned the dream and returned to his hometown.

There, he became a firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father, Vic.

But the desire for golf never left him and he never let go of his dream of some day playing on the big stage.

"I never stopped working at it," Parziale said. "I've always enjoyed the process of getting better and competing at the highest level. It's been a lot of work."

PHOTOS: Wednesday's Practice Round at the Masters

That work paid off as Parziale won the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship last October, securing a spot in the Masters. In a way, it also secured his new-found friendship with Woods as well.

"He sent me a letter after I won," Parziale said. "And then I met him a few weeks ago in Florida. We knew a mutual friend through Joey (LaCava, Woods' caddie) and he helped set it up.

"It was fun to play with him. We'd talked a few times before. But he's in high demand, so I'm glad it worked out."

Turns out, Woods enjoyed the round as well and came away with plenty of respect for Parziale.

"Matt played great today and we really had a lot of fun," Woods said. "He's a terrific kid and we had a really good time. I had a nice time with his dad (who is caddying for Parziale this week), too. He told some great stories about the fire department and things that he's done.

"The fact that he puts his life on the line every day for others and then does this is amazing. I'm really impressed by his game. He's a very good player."

The dream day got one last final touch as well. Playing in one of the final groups in Wednesday's Par-3 Contest, Parziale had to wait on the No. 9 tee box for the group ahead to finish.

In doing so, the group behind caught up and joined them on the box. That group? Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player.

"They were so kind and we were able to talk to them for a few minutes," he said. "It was awesome."

As far as the task ahead, Parziale isn't fazed by what he's about to encounter. Nor has he put expectations on what he hopes to achieve.

"I just don't set expectations or goals," he said. "I enjoy preparing, I enjoy the process. I love to compete. That's what I'm looking forward to."

And for a guy who fights fires for a living, standing over the first tee for that first tee shot shouldn't seem all that pressure-packed. Especially after spending Wednesday with golf's biggest draw.

"It's two different things and they don't compare," Parziale said. "I'm just fortunate enough I get to do two different things I enjoy. One you're part of a team and one you're out here by yourself. I enjoy both of them."