Nine-year-old Olivia McGregor picked up a pointer or two on how to improve her game, and it was from the world's best golfers.

The youngster from Toronto attended the Masters Tournament on Sunday as part of Augusta National Golf Club's new junior patron program.

The program allowed fans ages 8-16 to attend the prestigious golf event if accompanied by an adult with a tournament badge.

"It's fun because you get to see all of your favorite golfers play," said Olivia, who caught Tiger Woods on the 11th and 12th holes. "It was amazing."

Bryce McGregor, her father, said they will definitely make the trip again next year. He thanked the club for opening the tournament to young golf enthusiasts.

"I think it's a fantastic idea," he said. Observing the professional golfers has taught his daughter to be more disciplined in her play, he said.

That is the response that Augusta National was looking for when it implemented the program for the first time this year.

"We think the Junior Pass Program this week has been a tremendous success. Saturday I heard from a grandfather who had the opportunity to bring his grandchild for the first time," said Billy Payne, the Augusta National and Masters chairman. "By giving thousands of youngsters the opportunity to see the Masters, we hope to continue to inspire the next generation of golfers.

"We're serious about exposing children to golf and the Masters."

Preston Heyward, 13, of Atlanta, also learned to sharpen his game by watching the competitors at the Masters.

"Swing easy," Ken Heyward said when asked what his son learned by getting to see the pros up close.

His son also likes to see what the golfers have in their bags, looking for clues as to how to hone his skills.

"It's awesome," Preston said. "It's fun to see all the pros."

Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.