While the Masters is said to begin on the back nine on Sunday, the Masters event always kicks off with the honorary starters hitting ceremonial tee shots on Thursday morning.
Again this year at 7:40 a.m. it was the Big Three — Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.
Afterward they answerered questions. Here are brief excerpts from the friendly banter that never would have happened 50 years ago at the height of their competition.
Q: I believe 50 years ago this week, the three of you were tied for the lead after two rounds. Wondering what you remember about that now? (Note: Nicklaus shot 64 in the third round and won his second Masters and Palmer and Player tied for second; the great Byron Nelson was fourth and legend Ben Hogan fifth).
Nicklaus: What year was that, 1965? I remember what the third round was (laughter).
Player: I remember it; the wrong man won.
Palmer: I don't remember anything (laughter).
Q: Rickie Fowler was on the tee and I think he’s teeing off last today, but he came out to watch you guys hit. What does that mean to you?
Player: Phil Mickelson really impressed me a couple years ago. He was also off toward the end of the field, and he was I think the only one that was out there, which I appreciated. I think Phil is just the real PR man for golf. And to see Rickie and there were several out there on the first tee, Bubba Watson, defending champion. And who else was out there?
Nicklaus: Keegan Bradley.
Player: Keegan Bradley. … I can tell you that as a competitor that's played in it a lot of times, I appreciated it very much indeed. It shows that they have respect for the game. I remember when Jock Hutchison used to tee off here, I used to go watch him, always."
About the Author
