Jack stirs golden memories

JUST like old times, Jack and Arnie, the Golden Bear and the King, were gearing up to be centre stage at a major championship today, with golf’s most enduring personalities set to fulfil their roles as honorary starters at the 75th Masters.

It will be a brief moment in the spotlight when the two old fellas, with 10 Green Jackets between them, officially get the tournament under way at 12:40pm (Irish time) today from the first tee but the moment will inevitably turn to memories of the pair’s glorious association with Augusta National.

And this year is particularly poignant, given that it is 25 years since Nicklaus, with his son Jackie on his bag, defied logic and perception by winning his sixth Masters at the age of 46.