This year marks Ben Crenshaw’s 20th time leading the Champions Dinner at Augusta National, an event founded by Ben Hogan in 1952. Crenshaw reflects on the honor of presiding over the gathering, which he first took over in 2005 after a surprise request from Byron Nelson. Each year, Crenshaw shares insights about Augusta’s history and celebrates past champions. In 2023, he commemorated Jackie Burke Jr. and honored Larry Mize and Sandy Lyle for their Masters farewell. Crenshaw humorously noted he wouldn’t repeat his earlier ‘Hook ’Em Horns’ gesture, as it didn’t go over well with the guests.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — As Ben Crenshaw walked from Augusta National’s ninth green to the No. 10 tee, a hawk glided overhead.
“Look at that hawk!” Crenshaw exclaimed, pointing at the bird. “My goodness, it’s Ben Hogan.”
This year marks the 20th time Crenshaw has hosted the Champions Dinner on Tuesday—a tradition started by Hogan, affectionately known as the Hawk, in 1952.
“It’s difficult to express the significance of that evening,” Crenshaw stated, as the hawk took hold of a branch on the Clubhouse Oak Tree. “It’s such a privilege, and I aim to honor it with a great deal of humility.”
Two decades back, Crenshaw was in his library in Austin, Texas, when the phone rang. The two-time Masters champion (1984 and 1995) picked up, instantly recognizing the voice of the 1937 and 1942 Masters winner on the line.
Byron Nelson, who hosted the dinner from 1956 to 2004, had no prior warning about his request, but at 93, Nelson’s storytelling abilities had diminished.
The late Lord Byron shared with Crenshaw how he appreciated his passion for golf history before posing a pivotal question: Would Crenshaw be willing to take on the role of emcee for the Champions Dinner?
Crenshaw dropped the phone in surprise.
“What just happened?” Nelson inquired.
“I apologize, Mr. Nelson,” Crenshaw replied. “I dropped the phone.”
Since 2005, Crenshaw has opened the dinner by imparting insights on Augusta’s rich history while honoring the tournament’s past champions.
Last April, he raised a toast to the late Jackie Burke Jr. and invited reminiscences about Seve Ballesteros on what would have been his 67th birthday.
In 2023, the rectangular table shared anecdotes about Larry Mize and Sandy Lyle in honor of their farewell at the Masters Tournament.
Also in 2023, Crenshaw began the night with a ‘Hook ’Em Horns’ gesture to celebrate Scottie Scheffler’s first victory. When asked whether he would repeat the gesture this year, Crenshaw chuckled.
“No, not this time,” Gentle Ben replied, “I don’t think the table appreciated that much.”