David Lynn: His Day 1 at the Masters tournament was a mere 17 years in the making

David Lynn, of England, takes his second shot on the first hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament Thursday, April 11, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (The Associated Press)

David Lynn, of England, tees off on the fourth hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament Thursday, April 11, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (The Associated Press)

AUGUSTA, Ga. – David Lynn is getting used to running near the front at major championships.

Last year, in his just his second major, Lynn was the runner-up to Rory McIlroy in the PGA Championship.

On Thursday, Lynn shot a 4-under 68 in his Masters debut, leaving him just two strokes behind early leader Marc Leishman.

Lynn's moment at Augusta has been 17 years in the making.

A longtime member of the European Tour, he managed one win — in 2004 — before his performance at Kiawah Island changed everything. Even though he finished eight strokes behind McIlroy, he cashed an $865,000 check, moved to the PGA Tour, and began prepping for the Masters.