Clubhouse oak remains top gathering spot

Standing halfway between the clubhouse oak tree and umbrellas, Charles Coody was greeted by an unexpected patron Friday morning.

“My gosh, here comes my buddy Rudy Gatlin,” said Coody, as one-third of the Gatlin Brothers music group walked toward the 1971 Masters champion. “We’re all from Abilene, Texas. Well, we were all from Abilene until Rudy’s family made a mistake and moved to Odessa.”

Gatlin laughed as the two embraced. It was the first time the Texans had seen each other in more than a year. Not far behind Rudy were the other Gatlin Brothers, Larry and Steve, who also hugged Coody.

“You see?” said Coody, as he pointed toward the clubhouse oak. “This is where people come to reconnect. You never know who you’ll see.”

For generations, players, media and Augusta National members and guests have shared stories beneath the storied tree. Early Friday, sports writer Loran Smith and Gary Player drank lemonade as Smith offered condolences to the three-time Masters champion.

“I hadn’t seen Gary since his brother, Ian, passed away,” Smith said. “I’ve been to Gary’s ranch in South Africa before, and I wanted to tell him how sorry I was.”

Smith says he views the oak tree “as a reunion spot,” where each April he greets new faces and reconnects with decade-old friends. Smith is among a select group of media members to receive the Masters Major Achievement Award.

“It’s the most wonderful gathering spot,” he said. “It’s pleasant, shady and not overly crowded. The oak and umbrellas are among my favorite places in the world.”

Earlier in the week, Smith had spent time with Masters champions Coody, Tommy Aaron and Bob Goalby.

“Some people come here and stay here all day,” Coody said of the tree. “I mean, they don’t watch a single golf shot. Personally, I can’t stand up that long, but there’s no question it’s an honor to be under these branches. It’s a great way to see old friends.”

The Gatlin Brothers have been coming to the Masters for more than 30 years, and they rode in from Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday night to see friend Ben Crenshaw’s last Masters round.

During their visit with Coody, the musicians shared hugs and laughs, but most of all, they shared stories.

“I just love running into old friends like this,” Steve Gatlin said. “We’ve traveled to a lot of places, but it’s tough to beat this right here.”