Billy Horschel enters first Masters without expectations

Billy Horschel is entering the Masters Tournament without expectations in his first shot at Augusta National Golf Club.

Horschel is one of the record 24 first-time participants in this year’s tournament. Although he said he gets emotional during tournaments, he’s trying to keep his feelings in check.

“All I can say is it’s another golf tournament,” he said. “There’s a tee, there’s a fairway, there’s a green that you have to put a ball in the hole. That’s how I’m going to try to simplify it, that it’s just another golf tournament.”

Horschel, 27, has one win and 12 top-10 finishes in his PGA Tour career. He won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and tied for fourth in the U.S. Open in 2013.

Horschel, a Florida native who played at the University of Florida, said he has taken in the tradition and history of the course, but he wants to focus on playing well.

“It doesn’t mean anything more, it doesn’t mean anything less,” he said. “I haven’t been too excited. If I can keep that mindset and stay patient, I’ll be OK this week.”