If you’ve never heard of Jeff Knox, then brace yourself. Because this bloke has the best gig in world sport.
Knox is an Augusta National member, a seriously good golfer, and the guy who has served as a playing marker at the Masters for the past two decades.
A marker plays when there is an odd number of players after the 36-hole cut. He goes off in the first group of the day in a twosome to keep that participant’s scorecard and provide company and pace for the round. He does not post a score.When required, he gets to play on the weekend at the Masters and doesn’t have to post a score. Seriously.
In 2020, Knox even filled in for Erik van Rooyen after the South African withdrew following the first round.
In recent years, it was rumoured that Knox was set to be replaced by a younger member for the marker role, but it appears that is finally the case this year. The Augusta Chronicle’s David Westin reports the 59-year-old has been relieved of his duties. It’s the end of an era.
According to Westin, Michael McDermott is expected to fill Knox’s big (golf) shoes. Well, he’s actually not a big dude, but he’s a giant around these parts. At least, a giant slayer.
Although Knox’s score is never officially kept, he’s been credited with taking down Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia. He beat McIlroy by a shot with an unofficial 2-under 70 in the third round.
The club forbids him from talking about his conquests, but in 2016, Golf.com had his record at 6-8-1 in head-to-heads with his playing partners, which is downright absurd. Although, he does hold the course record from the members tees with a 61, and he was inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame in 2017. So while golf isn’t his profession, it also ain’t exactly no hobby to him, either.
As the years have gone on and the course has only gotten longer, Knox hasn’t been quite as competitive. But his exquisite touch—and yes, plenty of local knowledge—still allow him to get around this place in impressive fashion.
“He’s the best I’ve ever seen on Augusta’s greens,” said McIlroy, who has used Knox to help him prep for the tournament. Hey, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, right?
As for McDermott, he’s a 47-year-old with an impressive golf résumé of his own. According to his USGA media bio sheet, he made it to the round of 16 at the 2003 US Amateur and was a quarterfinalist at the 2016 US Mid-Am, losing to eventual winner Stewart Hagestad, who is playing this week as the after winning the US Mid-Am again in 2021. McDermott also won the prestigious 2012 Crump Cup at Pine Valley, where he also shot a 62 in 2013. Player alert!
So while we’ll wait to see if McDermott gets to tee it up inside the ropes at Augusta National for the first time this weekend, just know that no matter what happens, sadly, golf fans won’t be getting a glimpse of Jeff Knox. Well, unless you happen to see him walking around in his green jacket.Bloke with the BEST job in world golf has been replaced at Augusta National!
