![Excited Murray chasing dream Excited Murray chasing dream](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/9uPv5Hw5fHgJxKHJiUjqfy/4402e0a5-d990-4bf4-b26b-5e13a2cf1641.jpg/r0_198_4266_2598_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
WODONGA golfer Zach Murray has described his entry into the Australian Masters and Australian Open as the highlight of his career.
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The talented youngster picked up a spot in the masters following the withdrawal of fellow Australian Nick Cullen.
Murray was an “emergency” after narrowly missing qualification at Long Island earlier in the week.
“It’s been a pretty good day,” Murray said.
“I always thought I was a pretty good chance for the masters because someone usually withdraws but to get a spot in both tournaments on the same day is great news.
“I can’t wait to be honest.
“These two tournaments are the highlight of my career for sure.”
Murray will be among a star-studded field when he tees off at Huntingdale on Thursday.
Adam Scott, George McNeill, Nicolas Colsaerts, Cheng-tsung Pan and Steven Bowditch are the favourites.
Ernie Els has been forced to withdraw due to personal reasons.
These two tournaments are the highlight of my career for sure. I can't wait to be honest.
- Zach Murray
Murray is hoping the experience gained from playing in last year’s Australian Open will hold him in good stead.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there this week and hopefully putting a score on the board,” he said.
“It’s going to be a good experience.
“I just want to enjoy it and start the year as well as I possibly can.”
Murray missed the cut in the Australian Open by three strokes last year after eagling the final hole on day two.
He was the second youngest player in the field and had the misfortune of lipping out on several crucial putts during the opening round.
World No.1 Jordan Spieth will defend his title in Melbourne.
"I've heard Kingston Heath is unbelievable," Spieth said.
"And then Royal Melbourne, I hear you get on the first tee and think, 'piece of cake,' and then watch your tee shot bounce in the air.
“There and then Long Island (USA), the courses there, are on my bucket lists of courses I haven't played yet."
Beyond that, Oakmont is another classic lay-out he wants to try.
"I've done pretty much everything I want to do," Spieth said.
"I still haven't played Oakmont (next year's US Open).
“We have Royal Troon coming up.
“I haven't played Carnoustie.”