Naples native Noah Kent reflects on Masters debut at Augusta National

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — A Naples native is reflecting on his Masters debut as this year's tournament tees off Thursday at Augusta National.

Noah Kent made his Masters debut last year as a 20-year-old amateur after earning his spot with a run to the U.S. Amateur final. He said the course is every bit as immaculate as it looks on TV, and it was an experience he'll never forget.

Kent said one of his favorite memories came before the competition even started, when he played a practice round with Rory McIlroy.

"It was just us two, playing the back nine," Kent said. "It was pretty much all you can dream of, just kind of getting to play with him, pick his ear, listen to what he had to say about the whole entire place. It was pretty awesome."

Kent said last year's Masters is still motivating him as he tries to play his way back to Augusta.