Florida State Sophomore Drew Kittleson, the runner-up at the 2008 U.S. Amateur Championship, is penning an exclusive diary for masters.com during the 2009 Tournament. The Scottsdale, Ariz., native is making his first Masters playing appearance in only his second year with one of college golf’s most successful programs. During the Masters, he will write daily on his experiences and performances in his initial showing at Augusta National Golf Club. This is his third entry.

Today, I completed my former Masters Champions tour and it was quite an experience. Sunday, I played with Craig Stadler; Monday it was Mark O’Meara and today I played a practice round with Phil Mickelson.

It was a pretty cool day and that doesn’t just mean the weather. Phil and I teed off about 7:55 a.m., and the gates were not even open yet, so there was nobody out there. I think we were the only group of players out there for an hour or so, and when we got to the par-4 7th hole pretty much everybody on the course was watching us.

It was almost like a video game where every step you took, you heard hundreds of clicks of cameras. That was pretty neat.

Phil was great helping me out as far as the (future) pins were concerned and where I should be hitting the ball.

But he also talked about life and golf and how to treat the week. Some guys might shy away from playing with people like Phil, but hopefully I will be on that stage again one day, and what better way to learn.

It was actually the second time I’ve played golf with Phil. The first was when I was either 12 or 13 years old in Scottsdale where we both lived then.

A mutual friend of ours set it up and played with us and it was a special occasion. Phil remembered that day and this time, we had a friend through (Mickelson’s teacher) Butch Harmon who helped set it up.

We had a great day because we both have lived in Scottsdale. He went to Arizona State and I was a big fan growing up. We had a lot to talk about.

One highlight was skipping shots across the water on the Par-3 16th. That’s a big Masters tradition and, of course, I practiced that during my (previous) practice rounds here. I hit it up on the top tier of the 16th green and got a big cheer from the crowds which were around the green.

Walking the fairways, talking about the Masters, how much better can it get? After we got finished on 18, Phil walked over and greeted my dad, Kurt, and had him take a photo of me and Phil together.

Then, he asked my dad if he had a clubhouse badge, and invited us to have lunch with him in the Champions Locker Room. Man, how cool is that.

Just a classy guy and something my dad and I won’t forget anytime soon.

Monday was my first night sleeping in the Crow’s Nest and that was pretty special. The U.S. Mid-Am guy is not there because he has his wife and kids in town, so me and the British Amateur champion (Holland’s) Reiner Saxton have been hanging out and just getting to know each other.

It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve got to admit he has some funny stories. We spent some time talking with the employees as well; they have some pretty sweet stories.

Monday at the annual Amateur dinner, we had a good time, because we were all together. On the menu were steak, a really great salad, and some French dessert.

After my round with Phil and lunch, I went out and practiced for a while on the range. I came back, took a nap, trying to conserve my energy, and then spent time with my family and friends.

Dinner Tuesday night was back in the clubhouse. I’m going to eat there as much as possible. I mean, I can have dinner with my dad any time, but I can’t always eat at Augusta National.

I’ll have my dad on my bag at the Par 3 Contest Wednesday, so that will be pretty special. While most of the players have the big staff bags, I still have my small Florida State carry bag for this week. My caddy tells me it’s almost like cheating for him to carry that. I’m glad I can help him out. I know my dad will appreciate that as well.

I’ve also got a practice round set with Adam Scott Wednesday morning. It’s time to get ready for the final day of practice and get ready to go. Can’t wait to see what going to happen next; it’s already been pretty memorable for me, my friends and family.