By Jason B. Smith
Chronicle Staff

Sitting in his room Thursday night with the Masters Tournament lead in hand, Dennis Paulson relaxed the best way he knew: he played with his 2´-year-old son, Dillon Jay.

``He's got all the energy in the world,'' said Paulson, a Masters rookie who shot a 76 Friday and goes into today's round at even par.

Stewart Cink spends some time on the driving range to wind down after completing Friday's round.Jonathan Ernst/Chronicle Staff

For many professional golfers, winding down from a round at the Masters starts with a meal.

``I have to go eat something,'' said Justin Leonard, walking away from the Augusta National Golf Club after finishing the 18th hole and a couple of interviews. ``My stomach is growling.''

Jay Haas also likes to grab a bite to eat before heading to the practice tee to work on any problems with his game.

``At lunch, I'll sit and reflect a little on the day,'' he said. ``Then I'll go hit some balls. I usually spend an hour or so on the range.''

Stuart Appleby, who didn't make the cut, said he also unwinds on the practice range.

``Just because the round is over, it doesn't mean just stopping,'' he said.

Other golfers like to take a break before doing anything else.

``You need to let your nervous system calm down,'' said Bob Estes. ``I just kind of take it easy for a while.''

And then there is Darren Clarke. His plan for Friday afternoon was simple.

``Absolutely nothing,'' he said, lighting up a cigar after his 71. ``That's about it.''

Once they leave the course, the options are pretty open for the players. In some tournament cities, Jim Furyk goes to eat at a favorite restaurant. This week, he has supper at the house he's renting.

``We don't go anywhere because it is just so darn crazy,'' he said. ``Here we just cook out and sit around and talk with everyone.''

Tom Lehman was going shopping with his wife, Melissa, Friday afternoon.

``I think we are going to mess around at some antique stores,'' he said.

David Gossett - who ended Friday's round as the low amateur at 2-over-par - said he wasn't sure of his plans.

``I'm just going to relax a little bit,'' he said. ``But I really need to get geared up for the next two days of golf.''

The main thing for most of the pros, though, is just getting away from golf for a little while.

``Golf is not a big issue when there's friends and family involved,'' Paulson said.