Dubai resident Adrian Meronk learned that patience and acceptance are two of the keys to success at Augusta National, with the Pole set to make his second Masters Tournament start this week.
Meronk, who recently bought property in Dubai, became the first Polish player to compete at the first Major Championship of the year last season after playing his way into the tournament having reached the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking following victories at the Irish Open and Australian Open.
When playing the tournament for the first time, it’s easy to get distracted with the glitz and glamour that is associated with the prestige of the iconic club.
Something Meronk admits he was guilty of in 2023 after firing rounds of 73 and 76 to miss the cut on debut.
“It's great (to be back),” said Meronk.
“It's a little bit different experience than last year. Obviously last year was my first time, so it was a little bit overwhelming.
“This year I knew what I could expect, so I like this feeling. It doesn't overwhelm me anymore. I can use the time more wisely to get prepared for the week, and I think so far we've been doing a good job.”
What’s even more vital than not getting caught up in the moment is navigating through all of the nasty surprises that Augusta’s 18 holes toss up.
Prior course knowledge is favourable given the fact that the last man to win on his debut came back in 1979 when Fuzzy Zoeller defeated Tom Watson and Ed Snead in a sudden-death play-off.
Last year, Meronk struggled to get to grips with the speed of the greens and knowing where to miss around the tricky track – something even the most seasoned of pros still find difficult at Augusta.
But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and the 30-year-old is hoping to put everything he learned about the course into play this week.
“Just stay patient, don't get too greedy, because this course, if you get too greedy, it just penalizes you,” said Meronk when asked what his biggest takeaway was from last year.
“That's what happened to me last year. I got off to a good start and then I was in good position a couple of par-5s but then was probably too greedy with my strategy, and it cost me quite a bit.
“I think I'll be more patient, more focused on particular approaches, especially on par-5s, don't get too greedy, and yeah, I think the patience and acceptance are the two keys this week.”
Meronk will get his tournament underway at 11:06am local time on April 11 alongside American duo Lee Hodges and Grayson Murray.
