Masters insider: Tom Watson, Sarazen Bridge and the Champions Dinner

UNDER THE OAK TREE: Tom Watson

The two-time Masters Tournament champion played a practice round Monday with amateur Randal Lewis.

Watson recalled some of his experiences during his Masters career that began in 1970.

Q: Did you stay in the Crow’s Nest as an amateur?

A: I stayed in the Crow’s Nest in 1970 when I played in the Masters. It was a great experience. I stayed up there with Lanny Wadkins, Steve Melnyk, a bunch of people up there. I came in early like Randy did this week. I played a lot of practice rounds. It was a great time.

Q: What kind of advice did you have for Randal?

A: There was no advice. He played well. Keep it simple, that was basically it.

He drove the ball beautifully, hit a lot of quality shots, made a lot of putts.

Q: What do you think about when you return to Augusta?

A: It elicits lots of memories. Playing my first round with Doug Ford and my second with Gay Brewer. It was a great experience. It started me off loving this golf tournament and loving this golf course.

WHERE TO GO: Sarazen Bridge

There are three landmark bridges at Augusta National Golf Club, but only one that a patron can get close to without special access.

That’s the Sarazen Bridge, which is located next to the pond at the 15th green. More of a walkway around the water in front of the observation stand, it commemorates Gene Sarazen’s double eagle in 1935 that enabled him to tie Craig Wood and eventually win the Masters.

The Sarazen Bridge was dedicated on April 6, 1955 to mark the 20th anniversary of the “shot heard ‘round the world.”

HISTORY LESSON: Champions Dinner

Masters winners and Augusta National chairman Billy Payne will gather Tuesday night for the annual Champions Dinner. Defending champion Charl Schwartzel will serve as host, and he plans to offer a menu that features items found on a traditional South African braai.

The Masters Club, its formal name, began in 1952 when reigning winner Ben Hogan held a dinner for all previous champions. Honorary memberships were offered to tournament co-founders Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts. Previous Masters chairmen Bill Lane, Hord Hardin, Jack Stephens and Hootie Johnson also have been added as honorary members.