Jones misses target with first drive

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ALL Matt Jones has wanted to do since he took up golf at age six was drive down Magnolia Lane and play the Masters.

But in a hurried first appearance at his dream event after qualifying by winning the Houston Open just a day earlier, Jones took what turned into a comedic wrong turn.

"I didn't drive down (Magnolia Lane) — I had no idea where I was going, so I had to follow (Kevin) Stadler because I stayed with him last night," the Sydneysider said on Tuesday.

"He had to go to the caddie area, so I followed him … so I never drove down. I'll get to do that tomorrow," he joked.

It's been that sort of 24 hours for Jones, who was remarkably calm despite vaulting up to 41 in the world rankings with his win in Texas and into a venue he promised he'd never visit until he qualified — a feat he achieved with a remarkable chip-in from 35m in a playoff.

Jones celebrates with his caddie Scott McGuiness after chipping in for birdie in the Houston playoff. Source: AFP

"It's been a whirlwind. I finished (regulation play), chipped in, which I can remember actually, which is a good thing to remember," he said.

"Then I had to go do all the media and all the family and friends and talk to them.

"It's just been amazing trying to get in touch with everyone and get back to everyone from all the texts and phone calls I've had and emails.

"And now organising family and friends coming to town. It's going to be a great experience for the first time here."

Jones said his older brother Brett, who's based in New Jersey, would caddie during the par-three contest on Wednesday, while his parents, Vicki and Kevin, will today be midair en route to Georgia, along with a host of mates from his Arizona base.

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His manager did a ring-around on Sunday night (local time) to find a house that will accommodate them all for what will be an emotional reunion.

"My mum was crying and drinking champagne (after the win). It's been a long time coming for them. They have been through a lot," Jones said.

But away from the niceties of the moment, Jones is hell bent on not wasting his opportunity and arguably his most important guest will be long-time coach Gary Barter, the head coach at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney.

"The win was huge. But every time you tee it up to play golf is to win, and that's the same thing coming here," he said.

Jones is congratulated by former American President George Bush after his victory. Source: AP

"My goal is to win. I'm a rookie (here) and iIt doesn't happen too often, but I've been playing great and I'm playing against the same guys I do every week and I've beaten them before — it'll be a good week.

"I've been hitting the ball great for a long time. So ball striking's never been my issue and Gary is one of the best golf coaches no one would know of in the world.

"I put all my trust in him in the golf swing, what we have to do to get my game to the next level, and it's working."

"Gary comes over a lot now — six or seven times a year. And I'd actually like him to come more, but he has a family back in Australia."

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Jones laughed when asked whom he'd take advice off about his first couple of rounds at Augusta National.

"I'm going to play with Adam (defending champ Adam Scott) on Wednesday, so that's a pretty good person to take some advice from," he said before confirming a round today with 1982 champ Craig Stadler.

"I'm very excited to see the golf course … just to get out there and experience it and see Nos. 12, 13, 15, 16 — all those shots that you see on TV and hear people talk about.

"It's going to be pretty cool to get out there and hit the shot myself."

Begins April 11 at 4.45am EST on FOX SPORTS 3HD & 3 with 4 additional channels offered through the Red Button.

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