AUGUSTA, Ga. — Ben Crenshaw paced from Augusta National’s 9th green to No. 10 tee box when a hawk soared by.

“A hawk!” Crenshaw proclaimed, tracking the predator with his index finger. “My god, it’s Ben Hogan.”

This year marks Crenshaw’s 20th rendition of leading Tuesday’s Champions Dinner — which Hogan (nicknamed the Hawk) founded in 1952.

“It’s hard to explain how much that night means,” said Crenshaw, as the Hawk gripped a branch on the Clubhouse Oak Tree. “It’s such an honor. I try to carry it on with a lot of humility.”

Two decades ago, Crenshaw was sitting in his home library in Austin, TX, when the telephone rang. The 1984 and 1995 Masters winner answered, and recognized the 1937 and 1942 Masters champion on the other end.

Byron Nelson — who hosted the gathering from 1956-2004 — had given no warning about his request; but at age 93, Nelson's storytelling had faded. 

Lord Byron explained to Crenshaw how he admired his affection for golf history and then asked his fellow Texan a question: Would Crenshaw take over as emcee of the Champions Dinner?

Crenshaw dropped the phone.

“What was that?” Nelson asked.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Nelson,” Crenshaw said. “I dropped the phone.”

Since 2005, Crenshaw has kicked off the supper with insight on Augusta history, while celebrating its past champions.

Last April, Crenshaw toasted the late Jackie Burke Jr., and then asked the table for memories of Seve Ballesteros — on what would’ve been his 67th birthday.

In 2023, the rectangular table shared stories on Larry Mize and Sandy Lyle to honor their Masters Tournament farewell.

Also in 2023, Crenshaw began the evening with a ‘Hook ’Em Horns’ gesture to celebrate Scottie Scheffler’s first victory. When asked if he’ll replicate the motion this year, Crenshaw laughed. 

“No, not this time,” Gentle Ben said. “I don’t think the table liked that very much.”

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: How Ben Crenshaw took over leading Masters Champions Dinner

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