Walrus and Smallrus finally get chance to play at Masters
Stadler father and son heading to Augusta together
It was a long time coming, almost too long for Craig Stadler, but his son’s PGA Tour breakthrough win at the Phoenix Open has set up a unique family affair for the pair at this year’s Masters.
Kevin Stadler’s one-shot victory at the TPC Scottsdale on Sunday earned him a maiden spot in the opening major of the season at Augusta National where he and Craig will become the first ever father-son combination to compete together.
“It’s going to be great for me because it’s really my last one [Masters],” Craig Stadler said after his 33-year-old son had finally broken into the PGA Tour’s winner’s circle on his 239th career start.
“I kept saying, you know, when he gets in, that’s my last one. It’s awesome. I took him there [to Augusta National], oh, ages ago, and I don’t think he’s been there since. Probably 20 years ago. It will be great, an awesome week.”
Craig Stadler, who won the 1982 Masters along with 12 other titles on the PGA Tour, was affectionately nicknamed “The Walrus” on the U.S. circuit because of his portly build and moustache, and his son is also burly in stature.
Asked to describe in what ways the pair were alike, Craig replied: “We both love golf, and I don’t know about him but I’m his biggest fan.