Snedeker all smiles at Hilton Head after tears of Augusta

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Three days after riding a roller-coaster of emotion at the U.S. Masters, American Brandt Snedeker was in optimistic mood for this week's Heritage Classic in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Snedeker, who dissolved into tears after battling to a five-over-par 77 in the final round at Augusta National, has gained perspective on what he achieved in the year's opening major.

"I did a lot of great things last week," Snedeker told reporters during preparations for Thursday's opening round at the picturesque Harbour Town Golf Links.

"I was emotional because I came to close to living out one of my dreams and I wasn't able to do it. It's part of life, part of golf."

Two strokes behind eventual winner Trevor Immelman of South Africa going into the final round at Augusta National, Snedeker briefly moved into a tie for the lead before sliding back in gusting winds.

MIXED BAG

A mixed bag of nine bogeys, an eagle and two birdies left him in a share of third spot, his first top-10 finish in five major championship starts.

"I drove up here on Monday and realized that I finished third in the Masters as my first time as a professional," the 27-year-old native of Nashville said.

"I got to play in the last group two days in a row and jumped up in the world rankings.