November 11, 2020 | BY AAGD STAFF
It was no public ‘potluck’ gathering on Tuesday at Augusta National but rather the cherished, annual traditional meal better known as the Champions Dinner. This year, the most enviable invite in all of sports was held in the Trophy Room of the first floor Clubhouse at Augusta National, instead of the second-floor Library, due to the limited capacity requirements of the pandemic. 33 guests were on the list for this most function, yet, sadly, no fans cheered from behind the Clubhouse, as would usually be, hoping to spot their golfing heroes.
On the highly scrutinized menu chosen by the defending champion, Tiger Woods had the honor of selecting what guests would enjoy. It is Wood’s fifth time in this honorary situation of his extraordinary career.
When Woods was the 21-year-old champion, he selected a menu that matched his persona: cheeseburgers, french fries, and milkshakes. Now, as a more mature gentleman his palate for the Tuesday night meal was “The Augusta Roll,” sushi with tempura shrimp, spicy tuna and all the tasty spices; prime steak and chicken fajitas; a dessert trio; and wine to satisfy even the most thirsty guests.
The Masters Club was the idea of 1952 defending champion Ben Hogan. Hogan invited former winners to a dinner he organized, guests included Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts. Hogan had one stipulation for attendees, the must wear their Green Jackets.
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Today, sixty-eight dinners later, Hogan’s dinner creation continues and the tradition of a Masters champions gathering celebrates the beloved Masters Tournament.
Dinner guests in attendance gather in a relaxed atmosphere, share cherished stories and jokes, recount memories and ponder what the week will bring. This Tuesday night dinner also brought together two of golf’s greatest champions – Jack Nicklaus and Woods – both in the same room.
Famously, Nicklaus told reporters that Woods could win more than 10 Masters (the combined total of Green Jackets between Nicklaus and Palmer). “I would say that whether he is ready to win or not, he should be the favorite here for the next 20 years,” Nicklaus said.
Well, that time is up, and Nicklaus was right. Woods has been the favorite and might be one of them again in 2020, which might have been a topic of conversation if these two great icons talked over dinner Tuesday.
Consider the uncanny similarities mentioned in an Augusta National article, especially if you measure Woods’ 20 Masters as a professional against Nicklaus’ first 20 Masters as a professional:
Wins: Nicklaus had five, Woods had five.
Great defenders: Nicklaus became the first to win back-to-back Masters when he was 25 and 26. Woods became the third to win back-to-back Masters when he was 25 and 26.
Top 3s: Nicklaus, 11 times; Woods, 8 times.
Sub-par scores: Nicklaus 42 times in 78 rounds; Woods 48 rounds in 80.
Stroke average: Nicklaus 70.60; Woods 70.88.
Quick starts: Nicklaus won three of his first five, Woods won four of his first six.
Always present: Nicklaus missed one cut; Woods never missed.
Ah, to be a fly on the wall at this dinner—Bon appetite’ gentlemen.
