The contrast could hardly be greater for Justin Rose than it will be on Thursday when he tees off with Tiger Woods at St Andrews.
Five years ago, the last time The Open was at the home of golf, Rose spent all day close to the first tee as first reserve - and never got in.
Now, following two wins in his last three events in America, he will be playing the first two rounds with the world No.1, runaway winner of the last two championships at the course and inevitably the centre of attention yet again on his first trip to Britain since revelations about his private life.
"I was not surprised to be honest - I kind of called it actually," said Rose after discovering the draw had put them together for the third time in nine years.
"I'm looking forward to the week and I'm looking forward to that. I wasn't concerned one way or the other - you've got to play the course and a St Andrews Open is the iconic thing."
"No-one is bigger than that this week. It doesn't get any better."
"It's got the opportunity to be a distraction for sure, but I was always going to get a fairly busy group. I don't think it has ramped it up way different from what I was expecting."
While Rose has re-ignited his career in the last six weeks Woods has still not won since revelations about his tangled private life hit the headlines last November.
He has come fourth at both The Masters - his first event back - and last month's US Open, but has really struggled in other events and last week flew home from Ireland to spend time with his children before returning across the Atlantic.
"I've not had a run like this for a long, long time, and he's not had the type of run he's had probably ever, but I still think he's the man to beat," added Rose.
"If he gets his confidence going there's a 'horses for courses' mentality and he will remember shots he has hit and how to play this course."
As for the reception Woods might receive from the crowds the 29-year-old English player commented: "It will be like sheep - if people start to clap him then everybody will follow suit."
"I think a couple of holes into the championship he will be respected like everybody else because I think that's what an Open championship crowd does."
"They are here for the golf. They appreciate good play. If he gets playing well I think they will be excited and respond accordingly."
The first time they were paired together in the event was at Muirfield in 2002. Rose, who four years earlier had made his name with his fourth place finish as a 17-year-old amateur, scored 68 on the opening day, but only a 75 in the second round.
Woods, Masters and US Open champion at the time, began 70-68, but his Grand Slam attempt was effectively ended by a Saturday 81 in wild weather. He finished 28th, Rose 22nd.
Three years ago at Carnoustie they tied for 12th, Rose having started 75-70 and Woods 69-74.
Rose did not even qualify for the first two majors of this year - and his place at St Andrews was not certain until he won his second US Tour title two weeks ago.
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