AUGUSTA (Ga.) — Jack Nicklaus raised both hands in the Georgia air and spoke three words.
“I did it.”
He did it without any help. The Golden Bear walked towards No. Steve Ethun, the Masters Chief Tournament Officer, placed Jack a tee into the ground.
Nicklaus however removed the pre-placed Tee and dug his own hole in the Augusta dirt.
After his shot, which was a perfect landing in the fairway of the fairway, Nicklaus turned towards fellow honorary starter Tom Watson.
Watson applauded, and Jack gave him a thumbs-up.
Trevor Immelman, 2008 winner, said, “I have so much amazing memories at Augusta National. So to add this to my list is amazing.”
Photos: Honorary Starers Ceremony at the 2023 Masters
In attendance were also Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills quarterback, and Jim Nantz, CBS announcer.
Nantz, who has been covering the Masters since 1989 calls the honorary start ceremony “my favourite moment in golf.”
Nantz stated, “It’s such an enriched moment of nostalgia.” It’s a passing of time. These champions, these icons who were so important to you as a child, are there for us now. Jack was a particular favorite of mine. I have been blessed to be able to get to know them personally. This ceremony is an opportunity to reflect every year.
Immelman spoke about the importance of Gary Player, a fellow South African.
Player, who was 87 years old, had a bandage around his wrist that Immelman claimed was due to a horse riding accident.
Immelman stated, “To see a countryman smash it down the middle of it was amazing.” That was something special.
Gannett could earn revenue from betting operators in exchange for audience referrals. The newsrooms and news coverage are not under the control of sports betting operators. Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to the operator’s site for more information. Help is available for anyone with a gambling problem. 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), OH, 1-800-522-4700(CO), 1-800-BETSOFF (IA), 1-800-9WIT-IT (IN), 1-800-GAMBLER-NJ (OH), 1-800-522-4700(CO), 1-800-522-4700 – 24/7 Gambling requires that you be at least 21 years old. Gambling and sports betting are not allowed in all countries. Respect the laws in your area.
By: Doug Stutsman
Title: Jack Nicklaus on his swing at the Honorary Starter Ceremony for the 2023 Masters: 'I did it."
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/04/06/jack-nicklaus-honorary-starter-ceremony-2023-masters/
Published Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:43:20 +0000
Leave a Reply