Portugal Colonial - Howell got McIlroy ball as kid and now joins him at Masters

Defending champion McIlroy, a 36-year-old five-time major winner from Northern Ireland, will join 18-year-old Howell from nearby Thomasville and American Cameron Young off the first tee at 10:31 a.m. (1431 GMT) Thursday.

"The incredible thing about our game is because our careers are long, so many generations overlap," McIlroy said. "I remember playing the first two rounds of the 2010 US Open with Tom Watson. That's incredible to think about now."

McIlroy watched Tiger Woods win the 1997 Masters in record fashion and said, "I want to do that." Now he's the idol instead of the idolizer.

"Rory was one of my idols growing up, so it'll be a super special moment for me," Howell said. "I can't ogle at his game too much. I got to focus on myself.

"I'll be super excited but at the same time I'll be super nervous -- just controlling my emotions and sticking to my game plan and just having fun."

That Nike golf ball Howell received from McIlroy spent years in Howell's room, serving as inspiration. Now it will be in his bag when he plays Augusta National alongside McIlroy.

"I've got his ball in my bag right now, one that he gave me in 2016," Howell said. "It says 'Rors' on the side.

"I'm going to say I'm going to play the first hole with a Nike, which I'm not... That would be a power move, but yeah, that's kind of the plan. Hopefully it doesn't get back to him before Thursday."

Howell was born in 2007, just weeks before McIlroy was low amateur in his major debut at the 2007 British Open at Carnoustie at age 18.

"I just think about the time span," McIlroy said. "I've been lucky that the people I looked up to took me under their wing when I was starting off. That's the incredible thing about golf that not a lot of other sports have."

Howell, set to attend the nearby University of Georgia, stayed in the Crow's Nest, a housing area at the club for amateurs.

"Just being here at the Masters playing in front of this many people, it's awesome," Howell said. "It's kind of a lot to handle. When Thursday comes, I know I'll be pretty nervous but excited at the same time.

"If I keep a smile on my face, I think the rest will take care of itself."

His goal for the week is making the cut and having four "solid" rounds.

"I can't wait for it to get started, but I know when it does it'll be gone in the blink of an eye," he said. "I wish it would honestly slow down. Just trying to soak it all in."

A.P.Maia--PC