Ben Crenshaw carries on Texas tradition at Masters Champions Dinner

Byron Nelson heard an unfamiliar sound through his landline in Roanoke, Texas.

“What was that?” Nelson asked.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Nelson,” Ben Crenshaw said. “I dropped the phone.”

Fifteen years ago, Crenshaw was sitting in his home library in Austin when the telephone rang. The 1984 and 1995 Masters winner answered, and recognized the 1937 and 1942 Masters champion on the other end.

Nelson had given no warning to Crenshaw about his request, but at age 93, Nelson's ability to own a room had begun to fade. Nelson began by explaining to Crenshaw how he admired his affection of golf history — in particular Bobby Jones and the Masters Tournament. He told his fellow Texan that he had given thought to this conversation, and then asked the question: Would Crenshaw take over his role as emcee of the Champions Dinner?

That’s when Crenshaw dropped the phone.

The Champions Dinner began in 1952, the year after Ben Hogan won his first of two green jackets. Riding the sentimental emotion of his 1951 triumph, Hogan drafted a letter on March 31, 1952, to Augusta National Chairman Clifford Roberts, suggesting a stag dinner be held for all previous champions, with honorary invitations to Jones and Roberts.

Hogan emceed the first four dinners until handing off to Nelson, the more natural storyteller. Lord Byron assumed command from 1956-2005, before gifting the role to Crenshaw. Almost 70 dinners, and all have been spearheaded by Texans.

“It’s a continuum of the Texas legacy at Augusta National,” Crenshaw said. “It’s such an honor. Such an honor to have Mr. Nelson think of me that way. I try to carry it on with a lot of humility.”

When Nelson presided over the event he would annually have Bill Inglish, a Masters Tournament historian and writer for The Oklahoman, share statistics on the defending champion. Crenshaw has approached the evening in a different way. After welcoming the past champions, he recites historical moments about the tournament before opening the table for conversation.

“He has graceful preparation,” said Zach Johnson, the 2007 champion. “Ben approaches that evening with the utmost sincerity and humility. He’s pure class, which explains why Mr. Nelson chose him.”

At the 2014 Masters, two months after the Eisenhower Tree was destroyed by an ice storm, Crenshaw reminded the table of the historic moments the tree had provided. Modestly, Gentle Ben left himself off the list. On the 71st hole in 1989, Crenshaw’s tee shot hit Ike’s Tree, and then he hit a three-wood into the green for an improbable birdie. Crenshaw, however, bogeyed the 

18th to miss a playoff with Nick Faldo and Scott Hoch by a stroke.

“I couldn’t believe it when Ben didn’t mention his shot in 1989,” Phil Mickelson said. “That might have been the greatest Eisenhower Tree moment of all.”

Mickelson’s first Champions Dinner occurred in 2005, which was also Crenshaw’s first year as host.

“Ben’s knowledge is incredible,” Mickelson said. “Every year I leave the dinner having learned something new.”

Tiger Woods 2020 Champions Dinner menu

• Steak and chicken fajitas

• Sushi

• Sashimi

• Milkshakes