“It might be nice for us to get together for just a dinner.” And just like that, a tradition unlike any other was born. Those humble words of Ben Hogan in 1952 planted the seed for what would become the most exclusive gathering in all of golf—the Masters Championship dinner. A simple idea that has blossomed into a sacred, green jacketed rite at Augusta National, cherished by every soul who has ever slipped one on. Now, over seven decades later, as the 2025 Masters Tournament gets underway, that spirit is alive once again.
Scottie Scheffler, the reigning World No. 1, is back to defend his green jacket for the second time, looking to cement his legacy with a third Masters win. The rest of the field? Stacked! From Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau to Collin Morikawa, and more, this 96-man roster is brimming with power. But amid the buzz of birdies and major storylines, there’s something even more enduring—the tradition that ties every past champion together. And no one carries that torch more gracefully than Ben Crenshaw.
On a special Masters Week episode of The Smylie Show—hosted by CBS’ afternoon Featured Groups announcer for the Masters, Smylie Kaufman—the two-time champion opened up about how a single phone call from Byron Nelson was the key to handling one of Augusta’s most sacred responsibilities. “It’s a very, very special fraternity, and it’s, in some ways, it’s one of the most exclusive clubs that you can imagine,” Crenshaw began, reflecting on the iconic Championship dinner.“Started by Ben Hogan in 1952, and it was a very simple letter he wrote to the champions. He said, ‘It might be nice for us to get together for just a dinner.’ And it grew from there,” he continued.
From Hogan’s letter to Nelson, the dinner grew into a full-blown culture. As Crenshaw explains, it was Nelson—so deeply respected by co-founder Clifford Roberts—who continued the tradition of leading the dinner. And then, as Crenshaw told Kaufman, it came down to surprise call: “And I’ll never forget this. I was sitting at home one day. Mr. Nelson had gotten way up there, and he said, ‘Ben, Byron Nelson here. I’m unable to come to the Masters this year. My health just won’t let me do it.’ The pioneer, then, switfly handed over the responsibility to Crenshaw. “And I literally dropped the—I dropped the phone. He said, ‘What happened?’ I said, ‘Well, Mr. Nelson, I dropped the phone,’ Crenshaw revealed in glee.
The hosting-game is much like how a renowned Michelin-starred chef, ready to retire, begins training their longtime sous chef to take the reins for the restaurant’s legacy. From here, Nelson dropped a bit of motivation to keep the ball rolling, emphasizing Crenshaw’s love for history. Just like that, Ben Crenshaw took over hosting the feast.
One of the greatest meals in golf is served tonight … @TheMasters Champions Dinner
Here are some of Ben Crenshaw’s favorite memories, ranging from the good to the Scottish
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— The Smylie Show (@thesmylieshow) April 8, 2025
For a man like Crenshaw, whose 1995 win came just days after the passing of his mentor Harvey Penick, and who has always been Augusta’s soul in human form, it was more than an honor. It was a calling. Since 2005, Ben Crenshaw has kicked off the Masters Champions Dinner with stories that bring Augusta’s rich history to life. As the host, Crenshaw honors past champions with insight only a two-time Masters winner could offer. Whether toasting the late Jackie Burke Jr., reminiscing about Seve Ballesteros on his 67th birthday, or celebrating Larry Mize and Sandy Lyle’s final Masters in 2023, Crenshaw ensures the tradition is as much about the past as it is about the present.
And now, as another spring arrives in Georgia, we not only celebrate the stars of today—we honor those who’ve carried the weight of tradition. Those who’ve kept the flame burning.
Who hosted the 2025 Champions dinner?
In true Hogan fashion—quietly bold and timeless—he laid the foundation for one of golf’s most iconic traditions. In a letter to Augusta National co-founder Clifford Roberts, Hogan proposed what would become the Masters Champions Dinner, writing, “It’s my wish to invite all the Masters Champions who are going to be here, plus Bob Jones and Cliff Roberts… My only stipulation is that you wear your green coat.”
After this, many dinners were enjoyed. Let’s not forget when Ben Crenshaw kicked things off with a passionate ‘Hook ‘Em Horns’ to honor Scottie Scheffler’s first victory in 2022—a perfect blend of Texas pride and Masters magic. Now, Scheffler is hosting the dinner for a second time, bringing that same Texas flair to the legendary gathering of golf’s greatest. As the defending champion, Scheffler had the honor of handpicking the menu, and he chose a feast that’s as bold and exciting as his journey to Augusta’s hallowed grounds.
This year’s dinner, filled with familiar faces of past champions, was another unforgettable evening steeped in history and camaraderie. From cheeseburger sliders and firecracker shrimp to his grandfather’s famous meatball and ravioli bites to a hearty main course of cowboy ribeye and blackened redfish, the menu celebrated Scheffler’s Texan roots. This year’s menu is slightly different from his 2023 concept that had Texas-style ribeye steaks, Texan macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, grilled vegetables, pecan pie with vanilla ice cream, and a wide mix of beverages.
With his second time hosting, the Champions Dinner continues to be an essential of Masters, bridging past and present in the most delicious way possible. So, welcome to the Masters week. Let the magic begin!
The post ‘I Dropped the Phone’: Masters Champion Reveals His Shock After Burden of Carrying the Tradition Fell to His Shoulder appeared first on EssentiallySports.
