Richardson: Nicklaus had an incredible aura
Steve Richardson describes it as one of those 'goose-bump days'.
In 1992, the Lee-on-the-Solent ex-Ryder Cup star drove down the famous Magnolia Lane and took on the famous Augusta course in the Masters.
Fred Couples claimed the prestigious green jacket, but Richardson finished a highly-commendable tied 31st.
On the third day, he experienced something to remember for the rest of his life.
His playing partner for the day was six-times Masters winner Jack Nicklaus, who won a total of 18 majors during a long, distinguished career.
'He was ever so friendly and quite chatty - I am sure when he was younger he was more into his own game.
'I'd played at his own event – the Memorial – in '91 so I knew him.
'He's a cool guy and the crowds go wild for him at every tee.
'It was one of those goosebump days. You've got to be careful you don't just watch him. After a while I clicked back into my own game.
'I was one of the longer hitters in the tournament but I wasn't that far ahead of him.
'And he was a brilliant striker with his irons – he really got it to fizz.
'He has a great aura – Tiger has the same.'
As the players take to the first tee today, Richardson will know how they are all feeling.
The course gets tougher each year and there's no doubt it's a daunting golfing test.
Richardson said: 'It was a different course when I played.
'It was short – I used to reach the par fives no problem back then.
'Looking at it now, it's not as appealing for me.
'They've made a lot of the holes tree line, whereas before there was a lot of open spaces to drive into, which for me was what the Masters was all about.
'But it's always been an evolving tournament.
'It's funny because, outside the course it's a little bit tacky, but as soon as you turn down Magnolia Lane it's golfing heaven.
'The crowds, marshalling, merchandise, the old-fashioned clubhouse – it's absolutely class.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Sunday 12 February 2012
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