IT is usually the correct choice of clubs that sets one caddie apart from another, but it was Portrush native Ricky Elliot's choice of footwear that saw him replace Lorne Duncan as US amateur champion Matt Fitzpatrick's bagman at Augusta.
Duncan was bizarrely barred from working the famous Augusta course after officials frowned upon his preference for wearing sandals, due to a foot problem.
Following a frenetic search by Fitzpatrick's manager Mike Walker, it was the traditionally heeled Elliot who was drafted in.
Speaking to GolfWeek, Fitzpatrick said the drama will not hinder his game.
"it doesn't bother me," he said. "I'm very happy to be here and look forward to the week with an experienced caddie on the bag."
Ahead of today's first round, in which Fitzpatrick will play alongside defending champion Adam Scott, the Sheffield native enjoyed a training round with Rory Mcilroy - who urged the teenage star to enjoy the occasion. Elliot, himself a former amateur standout, has previously caddied for Ben Curtis at the Masters and currently works with American Brooks Koepka.
Meanwhile, Darren Clarke will make his 500th appearance on the european Tour, when he tees off at the Masters today.
The Dungannon native becomes the fourth irishman to reach the 500-appearance mark, following eamonn Darcy (610), Des Smyth (594) and Paul McGinley (545).
Clarke said, "it seems like only yesterday that i was setting out on this journey into the unknown, but here we are 500 tournaments down the road and still counting.
"I couldn't have done it without a lot of help from a lot of people."