“He was dead quiet, standing next to me. I wonder why,” Sir Nick Faldo said to Sky Sports during the first round, hinting that Phil Mickelson’s uncharacteristic silence at the Champions Dinner might have been a deliberate move to “read the room.” However, it seems Mickelson is ready to shed that reserve and participate fully in this year’s dinner, exclaiming, “I’m really looking forward to it!”
Speaking at the LIV Miami press conference, Phil Mickelson also shared his enthusiasm for the Champions Dinner, praising the older generation of golfers as exceptional storytellers. “I think the older guys – like Gary Player is a great storyteller and he’s got some great stories that he’s shared,” Mickelson said, also mentioning Bob Goalby and Jack Nicklaus as masters of storytelling.
He reminisced about a particular anecdote from Arnold Palmer, who had been motivated to win the 1956 Masters after overhearing Ben Hogan’s dismissive comment about him. “He said, ‘That really spurred me on. I was determined to show him,’ and he went out and won that year,” Mickelson recalled, emphasizing the impact of Hogan’s comment on Palmer’s determination.
Not only that, but Jon Rahm, who has only attended one Champions Dinner, is eagerly looking forward to this year’s event. “I’ve only been to one dinner, so I’m looking forward to this one,” Rahm said, still cherishing the memories of his first dinner. He recalled how the conversation centered around the late Seve Ballesteros, and Bernhard Langer regaled the room with captivating stories. “It was really cool how everybody in the room kind of came together, started sharing stories that was Ryder Cup based or Seve based, and it was really fun for me to see a player that’s kind of known for being quiet, Bernhard Langer, almost take over,” Rahm said, highlighting the infectious enthusiasm of the evening.
Dec 16, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Nick Faldo selects an iron for his shot plays his shot on the fourth tee during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
There is another golfer who is ‘looking forward’ to the champions dinner.
Sergio Garcia on the Masters Champions dinner
Sergio Garcia shared his thoughts on the Masters Champions Dinner, a tradition he holds dear. “Yeah, Tuesday night is one of the most special nights we have all year,” Garcia said. According to Garcia, the dinner offers a unique opportunity to bond with fellow champions and hear their stories. He gets to spend time with friends and talk about life, family, and golf.
Garcia also enjoys listening to stories from the older generation, particularly those from the 1960s and 1970s. “You get to hear some really cool stories… and how they were playing the course and things like that,” he said. Garcia finds the experience to be a treat, and he feels privileged to be part of this exclusive gathering. “I think it’s a very unique little club that you get to be a part of,” he explained. “We always look forward to it.” So, what are your thoughts on this year’s champions dinner? Let us know in the comment section below!
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