On Tuesday night of The Masters week, Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership hosts the annual Champions Dinner.
Defending champion Jon Rahm welcomed 34 former winners as they indulged in Spanish meals chosen for his menu.
The 1961, 1974 and 1978 Masters winner, Gary Participant, posted on social media in regards to the night.
“Tonight, we celebrated Jon Rahm’s excellent accomplishment final yr and likewise keep in mind our good friend Jackie Burke Jr. Arduous to consider I’m now this desk’s elder statesman till my time is up. Will cherish each second,” Participant wrote.
Tonight, we celebrated Jon Rahm’s excellent accomplishment final yr and likewise remembered our good friend Jackie Burke Jr. Arduous to consider I’m now this desk’s elder statesman till my time is up. Will cherish each second. GP
@TheMasters pic.twitter.com/0VJBWN6UP5
— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) April 10, 2024
He’s the oldest returning champion at 88 years outdated since Jackie Burke Jr. handed away in January.
The South African has additionally been a part of the honorary starters with Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson since 2012.
Participant posted a video strolling down Magnolia Lane as he started his 67th week in Augusta.
He shockingly ranked The Masters because the fourth-best main final yr.
“The Masters falls fourth as a result of it’s not meant to be forward of these others,” Participant stated. “The Masters Match is just not a championship. You may’t rank a event forward of championships.”
Semantics apart, The Masters is clearly a prestigious occasion and Participant is honored to be in his present place.
Now that he’s the elder statesman, Participant appears to replicate much more on the significance of The Masters.
At some point later, he was again at it taking to X with one more emotional message.
The love we obtain from the patrons yearly on the Masters is solely outstanding. Jack, Tom and I are so privileged to participate on this big day. Expressing my honest gratitude to all who watched. Although it’s only one shot, we dwell for moments like this! GP pic.twitter.com/dcFhqkyNeu
— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) April 12, 2024
“The love we obtain from the patrons yearly on the Masters is solely outstanding. Jack, Tom and I are so privileged to participate on this big day. Expressing my honest gratitude to all who watched. Although it’s only one shot, we dwell for moments like this! GP”
We don’t know the way for much longer the 88-year-old legend will grace our presence at Augusta Nationwide. However he’ll ceaselessly be treasured regardless.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in Via. For extra golf protection, be sure you comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You may also comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.