The Big Three

Thursday three men I have admired since childhood started the 77th Masters Tournament at historic Augusta National.  Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player have 13 green jackets between them!  The honorary starters teed it up on the first tee to start the tournament.  I didn't start seriously playing golf until I was in my 30's, but I've followed the game since I was a kid.  These three men with feet of clay were as close as you could get to human heroes for me.

On the course they epitomized what golf is all about: etiquette, respect, honesty, character, composure, physical coordination, the ability to focus and joy.  They made it look too easy for the average hacker.  Truth be told they would've played if there were no prize money and they had to pay greens fees.  Long before Tiger or Rory were even on the radar, "The Big Three," were racking up titles and championships in record fashion.  No one has more green jackets than the Golden Bear at six! King Arnie is 83, Player, "The Black Knight," is 77, and the Golden Bear is 73.

Their relationship hasn't always been one of smiles and cooing.  They were fierce competitors on the golf course, but there was an unsurpassed level of respect that formed the foundation for their lifelong friendship.  Seeing these three yesterday reminded me all that is good about the game of golf.  Today's players are great, but even among the best of them something is lacking in the presence of The Big Three.  Their shadows are huge and they loom from Amen Corner to Hogan's Bridge at Augusta.  All three have experienced the highest reward at Augusta multiple times, but they have also been party to great crashes.

Something that has always stood out to me about these three was how they took off their caps after finishing the 18th hole, looked each other in the eye and offered a handshake of respect.  They weren't caught up with their publicist, agent, foundation, swing coach and an entourage tagging behind to tell them how great they just played.  In fact, Nicklaus was famous for leaving his swing coach behind in Florida instead of traveling with him to a tournament   Mere mortals among men, but almost like gods on the golf course they maintained a sense of who they were among the rest of us.  And here's just one example:

The story is told that early in his career, Phil Mickelson was paired with Arnold Palmer for a practice round at Augusta.  Sometime during the round Palmer left the course and walked into one of the hospitality tents that sells the best egg salad and pimento cheese sandwiches you've ever had.  Apparently the place went silent in the presence of King Arnie.  A young, impressionable Mickelson was by his side as he heard the King thank the volunteers working the tent for taking time off to serve the public, which made it possible for them to play golf.  It is said that story has had a huge part in shaping Phil Mickelson's well known affection for fans and those working tournaments.  I don't think he knew it that day, but Arnold Palmer put our clay pedestals into perspective for the rest of us.  He noted that we all have a part to play and each person is dependent upon someone else and none of us is better or bigger than anyone else!  

Perhaps I'm waxing nostalgically for something from childhood, but as great as these phenomenal young players are today, they don't evoke in me the same sense of awe and respect as names like: Palmer, Nelson, Nicklaus, Watson, Player, Miller, Floyd and Trevino.  Maybe I'm just getting older and as these mortal heroes age I'm realizing that I am also getting older.  I only hope, like these greats have done that I am also getting better as a person, husband, father, and friend.

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann)