Time to round off the greening of Augusta?

OF the 12 Irishmen who have competed in the Masters, the best finishes were achieved by Pádraig Harrington, tied fifth in 2002, and Darren Clarke, who shared eighth place in 1998.

The great amateur, Joe Carr, was the first Irishman to receive an invitation. A man who lived life to the full and became a member at Augusta (as is his son, John, today), Carr made the best of his three years amidst the famous cathedral pines.

One of the many unusual Masters traditions is to pair the reigning Masters champion with the holder of the British Amateur Championship. In 1967, Joe partnered Jack Nicklaus. He made the cut — but the Golden Bear was on his way home after 36 holes. Twelve months later, Carr again survived into the weekend; his partner over the opening two days, Arnold Palmer, did not!