Augusta, Ga. — The Champions Dinner honored Spain on Tuesday evening, coinciding with what would have been Seve Ballesteros’ 67th birthday. The gathering of 33 champions celebrated the induction of the newest member, Jon Rahm, while reminiscing about Augusta’s first European champion.
Emotional Tribute to Legends
Larry Mize, the 1987 winner, described the evening as emotional and memorable. Ben Crenshaw orchestrated the evening to highlight Jon, Seve, and Jackie Burke, creating a heartfelt atmosphere.
Fraternity of Champions
Rahm, seated alongside Ben Crenshaw, made history as the first LIV golfer to host the prestigious dinner. Despite the ongoing PGA vs. LIV debate, the champions set aside differences to come together as a fraternity for the night.
Heartfelt Commendations
Crenshaw, in his signature Texas drawl, welcomed Rahm to the Masters Club and presented him with a special gold locket in the shape of the Club emblem. The evening was filled with anecdotes and tributes, including Hideki Matsuyama’s surprise English speech at the 2022 dinner.
Tales of Legends
Stories of Seve Ballesteros captivated the room, with Bernhard Langer recalling a remarkable moment from the 1983 Ryder Cup. The passing of 1956 Masters Champion Jackie Burke was also acknowledged, emphasizing the camaraderie among champions.
Menu Selection and Homage
As the defending champion, Rahm curated a menu honoring Spain’s Basque region. The dinner featured a selection of tapas and pintxos for starters, followed by main courses reflecting Spanish cuisine. José María Olazábal, Craig Stadler, and Charles Coody made their culinary choices, adding a personal touch to the evening.
The dinner, attended by 33 past champions, was a poignant tribute to golfing excellence and camaraderie, showcasing the timeless bond shared among Masters champions.
By: Doug Stutsman
Title: Champions Dinner Pays Tribute to Spain with Jon Rahm as Newest Member
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2024/04/09/jon-rahm-2024-masters-champions-dinner-liv-golf-pga-tour/
Published Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2024 02:23:50 +0000
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