Crenshaw helps amateur Macpherson overcome jitters at first Masters

Ben Crenshaw remembers those first-timer nerves at Augusta National Golf Club.

He made his Masters Tournament debut in 1972, then 20 years old, and he played his first round with defending champion Charles Coody.

The veteran Coody, then in his mid-30s, helped soothe the jitters, Crenshaw said. And Crenshaw, now 60 and a two-time Masters winner (1984, ‘95), was happy to return the favor in Thursday’s opening round when he played with amateur Bryden Macpherson, a 21-year-old amateur and former University of Georgia golfer who earned a berth by winning the British Amateur.

“Ben, Mr. Crenshaw, he’s an awesome guy, and he kept correcting me all day,” Macpherson said. “He kept patting me on the back and I thought I might have to get him a towel because I’m sweating a bit.”

Crenshaw finished the first round with 4-over 76, and Macpherson finished one shot behind him. Robert Karlsson led the group with 2-over 74.

Crenshaw said he was impressed with Macpherson’s talent.

“He’s got a beautiful swing, strong swing,” he said of the Australian.

Macpherson, however, said he had some kinks to work out of his game.

“I hit a lot of really good shots, but I made what I call a few amateur mistakes,” Macpherson said.

Reach Chris White at christopher.c.white@onlineathens.com.