For those of you tuning in to watch The Masters, you may hear the name of Jeff Knox uttered - but who is he? Well, Knox used to be the man called upon to make up a twosome should an odd number of players make it through to the weekend.
He first appeared in this role in 2002 before being relieved of his duties ahead of the 2022 edition. Due to his involvement with The Masters, Knox is one of the most famous Augusta National members. He is considered a course specialist having beaten some of the world's best players when stepping in to act as a weekend marker at the iconic event.
The top 50 players and ties make the hotly contested 36-hole cut at The Masters to battle it out for the Green Jacket around the famous layout. Previously, anyone within 10 shots of the lead upon completion of the second round would also make the cut, regardless of position, before that rule was scrapped at the 2020 Masters.
Although Knox's name never appeared on any leaderboards or caddie bibs, the American is an extremely accomplished player and is highly respected by those he was paired with. And he's played with no shortage of big names.
Eddie Pepperell walks with Knox during the third round of the 2019 Masters
In 2019, Knox teed it up with Eddie Pepperell during the third round. Before that, he famously shot a 70 to Rory McIlroy's 71 in the third round in 2014, before adding the scalp of former champion Larry Mize to his roll of honour the very next day.
Going back even further, he outscored Sergio Garcia in 2006, which reportedly led to the Spaniard shunning his post-round handshake.
Before the event, many of the top players in the world come to Knox for advice. In 2015, Tiger Woods reportedly made contact with Knox. McIlroy, who played with Knox on a scouting mission ahead of the 2020 Masters, maintains he reads the Augusta greens better than anyone he’s ever seen.
Knox beat Rory McIlroy by a single stroke during the 2014 Masters
Justin Thomas, who was a team-mate of Jeff’s son at the University of Alabama, was in agreement, saying: “I’d take him over anyone in the world on these greens, hands down.” Another pro who knows Knox well is Kevin Kisner. Like Knox, Kisner attended the University of Georgia, and he added: “He doesn’t miss inside of eight feet."
Knox is a past Augusta National Club Champion and was reported to live just four minutes from the course. He also holds the course record with an 11-under-par 61. Away from Augusta National, he is a successful businessman and the director of the Knox Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports local charities.
He is thought to have been replaced by Michael McDermott in his role as a non-playing marker for the tournament if an odd number make the cut. Not a great deal is known about McDermott, other than he is in his late-40s, from Pennsylvania and is a two-time winner of the Crump Cup - an elite amateur event held at the world famous Pine Valley Golf Club, where he is also a member.
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