AUGUSTA, Ga. (WAVY) — When the Masters tees off Thursday in Augusta, Evan Beck from Virginia Beach will be one of the five amateurs in the field.

The 34-year-old Beck qualified for the Masters by winning the U.S. Mid-Amateur outside of Richmond.

A former standout at Norfolk Academy, Beck was a two-time All-American at Wake Forest.

He floundered as a pro on the second-tier tours before focusing on his career in the corporate world.

He was named the U.S. Mid-Amateur player of the year and has also earned a spot in the U.S. Open.

But it’s the Masters and Augusta that will be his PGA tour appearance and first major.

“it’s been really, really cool,” Beck said. “Exceeded all expectations. Such a privilege to be here and very, very fortunate.”

Beck tees off at 11:01 a.m. Thursday in a threesome that includes two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson.