Lone Star State long overdue at Augusta

Post by Golf Writer Kieran Clark 

Throughout the lifetime of the Masters Tournament there have been a number of clearly defined eras. We had the dominance of the Big Three in the 1960s, the triumphant surge of Europe in the ’80s and ‘90s, and, of course, the game-changing escapades of Tiger Woods around the turn of the millennium. But few have contributed more to the lore of Augusta National than players from the state of Texas.

Starting with the legendary Byron Nelson in 1937, Texans have won 12 times in Georgia. Dallas’ Ralph Guldahl triumphed in 1939, with Jimmy Demaret succeeding him the following year with the first of three victories. The great Ben Hogan won twice in 1951 and 1953, before Jack Burke stormed from nine shots back during the final round to win the first televised Masters Tournament in 1956.

Jordan Spieth will be hoping to go one step further than his 2nd place finish in 2014

There was a lull for the Lone Star State in terms of success, which was ended by Charlie Coody’s surprise win in 1971. However, by this time, attention from observers in Texas (and beyond) was to be fixated on an emerging talent from Austin. In 1972, Ben Daniel Crenshaw, a prodigious amateur, secured his first Masters invitation at the age of 20.

It was to the beginning of a storied affiliation between man and course. Player and tournament. Throughout the next 43 years, there would be two triumphs, a number of near-misses, and a few tears. But a lot of happiness. Crenshaw’s love for golf and the Masters has always been tangible. He reveres the history and traditions that exude from Augusta National. In that sense, he is just like us. A fan. But one with a talent for the game that once saw him labelled as the next Jack Nicklaus.

This week, the World Golf Hall of Famer’s career in the Masters Tournament will come to an end. There will be many more Champions Dinners and Par-3 Contests to come for Crenshaw, but in terms of competing, after 44 appearances, there will be a bittersweet finality to the 79th Masters.

As he takes his final bow at Augusta alongside his long-time caddie and beloved friend Carl Jackson, it will be a time of reflection, but also of celebrating a wonderfully fruitful relationship. The two men – remarkably – will have been directly involved in a combined 98 Masters Tournaments after this week. They have banked more than enough memories to satisfy a lifetime.

For Texas, Crenshaw’s transition from competitor to observer will also be a reminder that it’s been too long since one of their own experienced the sensation of having that iconic Green Jacket placed on their shoulders. Crenshaw was the last to win the Masters. His second triumph at the age of 43 in 1995 went against all conventional logic. His game was in tatters, as were the emotions following the passing of his mentor Harvey Penick just days prior to the tournament.

It was a storybook tale. And one that had even the most non-spiritual of onlookers checking themselves.It unquestionably, for just a moment, had you believing in fate. 

And perhaps there will be something written in the stars for Texas in 2015. As their last Masters great bows out, it would be poetic if another could etch their name into the history books at Augusta National.

Jordan Spieth enters the 79th Masters a year removed from his stunning debut performance, which saw him finish runner-up to a rampant Bubba Watson. The 21-year-old has experienced much success during his short professional career, taking him up to fourth in the world ranking, and he returns to Georgia in imperious form. 

Last year, like any discerning debutant, Spieth sought out the counsel of an elder statesman to improve his understanding of the legendary course. Augusta National’s infamous greens are a labyrinth of complexities, and few have ever known them like Ben Crenshaw.

In the days prior to the tournament, the older Texan advised Spieth on club selection and pin placements that will have to be navigated during the four days of competition. Carl Jackson also spent time with Spieth’s caddie – Michael Greller – providing the younger man with an extensive hole-by-hole guide of the course.

Not the longest or most technically sound of players, Spieth has the enviable ability of being able to maximise his capabilities and score brilliantly. Part of that is due to a deft putting touch, which harkens back to the great days of Crenshaw, but also of an inner-steel that can bridge the gap between him and the advantages possessed by other players. This could be Spieth’s stage.

However, we shouldn’t forget the trail-blazing form of San Antonio’s Patrick Reed, who has emerged as one of the toughest competitors in the game – akin to Ray Floyd or Lanny Wadkins. Very much like Spieth, the 24-year-old exudes an authoritative confidence and unrelenting determination, which should see him improve on his disappointing debut of last year.

Being born in Oklahoma, Jimmy Walker wouldn’t officially add himself to the list of Masters Greats, but there will be many watching in Texas who will be rooting for the 36-year-old who has adopted their state as home. They certainly have a chance of crowning another champion.

When trying to reflect on Ben Crenshaw’s relationship with the Masters and Augusta National, one is reminded of Humphrey Bogart’s line from The Maltese Falcon: “It’s the stuff that dreams are made of.” That certainly rings true when you look back on his 44 years driving down Magnolia Lane.

It would be a fitting time for another Texan to have their dreams come true. If you believe in fate.

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