Trevor Immelman was feeling worse for put on after the dinner (Image: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy‘s position at host of the Masters Champions Dinner has been met with glowing reward from the likes of Sir Nick Faldo, Jordan Spieth and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley. However, one fairly uncomfortable second unfolded at golf’s most unique dinner on Tuesday, when six-time champion Jack Nicklaus left 2008 winner Trevor Immelman nursing a sore foot.
It was all a part of the night’s light-hearted environment as McIlroy celebrated his extraordinary victory 12 months in the past, finishing the profession Grand Slam. He laid on a “world-class,” and notably pricey, unfold of meals and wine, with visitors passing round a driver as soon as belonging to nine-time main champion Ben Hogan. Faldo, a three-time Masters champion, revealed that Nicklaus was in superb type all through the night, although the 85-year-old unwittingly planted his strolling stick firmly onto Immelman’s foot.
“Dear Jack’s getting a bit old, and he came up with a cane, the one that’s got the four claws on the bottom,” mentioned Faldo in an Instagram video.
“He doesn’t realise he’s put the claw on Trevor Immelman’s foot and, so while he’s leaning on it Trevor’s going [in a pained voice]: ‘Oh, how are you, Jack? How are you feeling?’. So poor Trevor’s walking with a limp today.”
Faldo is rarely shy about voicing his displeasure when the Champions Dinner fails to satisfy his culinary requirements.
Bubba Watson acquired a significantly scathing verdict for his efforts in 2013 and 2015, with Faldo likening the fare to a McDonald’s Happy Meal.
However, McIlroy’s dinner earned nothing however admiration from the six-time main winner.
“It was very nice, the food was great,” he mentioned. “It was a really cool moment when Rory, Jack, and Gary [Player] were siphoned off for a photograph secretly.
“You know, they’re the one Grand Slam winners right here, in order that’s a very cool second for Rory. He spoke effectively, in fact, that was all good.”
Three-time Masters winner Faldo attended Rory McIlroy’s Masters Champions Dinner on Tuesday (Image: Augusta National)
Jordan Spieth, the 2015 champion, was equally effusive in his praise.
He singled out the wagyu fillet mignon as his standout dish, adding: “The meals was unbelievable. It’s the most effective, like, dinners that we have had on the meal.
“His choices were fantastic. And there were some great stories told. Obviously, he completed the Sslam and won the Masters, which had been something that had been held over his head by others and probably himself for a long time.
“You clearly noticed what it meant to him final yr, after which he will get to return again and benefit from the perks of what meaning whenever you come again because the defending champion.”
Augusta National chairman Ridley was also present on the evening, remarking: “Rory was a fantastic host at final night time’s Masters Club Dinner.
“That evening always is a special occasion, but especially when we celebrate a first-time champion. I should say that, like his golf game, Rory’s menu and wine selection were world-class.”
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