Celebrity encounters -- the Masters

[jawjahboy]

Growing up 3 miles from the Augusta National Golf Club, I attended many Masters tournaments as spectator and worker. In my preteen years my father took me a few times. I worked as a gallery guard in '63 -- '65.
Tennessee Ernie Ford was always friendly and approachable. He wore Loud plaid pants. You could pick him out at quite a distance by those pants.
Chi Chi Rodriguez was the most affable pro golfer and always joking around.
Carl Edward Sanders Jr.(son of the Governor of Ga) was a terrible craps shooter and lost quite a bit to my crew and a couple of caddies.

In '65 Sam Snead had just won the Greater Greensboro Open the week before at age 52. As he crossed our rope on the 18th green, he shook my hand and gave me one of his golf gloves. None of the other pros ever acknowledged the gallery guards.
According to caddies and club members' kids, Gary Player was the least socially accepted by the other pros.

[tonebytone]

Interesting, aqnd a great experience.