For those of you tuning in to watch The Masters (opens in new tab), 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. Knox is a member of Augusta National (opens in new tab) who 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 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 his name doesn’t appear on any leaderboards or caddie bibs, the American is an extremely accomplished player and is highly respected by those he gets paired with. And he’s played with no shortage of big names.
Eddie Pepperell walks with Knox on the ninth hole during the third round of the 2019 Masters
(Image credit: Getty Images)
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 and McIlroy walk to the 18th green during the third round of the 2014 Masters Tournament
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Justin Thomas, who was a team-mate of Jeff’s son at the University of…
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