90 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com annual Champions Dinner, a tradition where the previous year’s Masters winner hosts a feast for Masters officials, past winners and guests. Two such milestones they executed were when Tiger Woods won his first Masters in 1997 and in 1998 when he hosted his first dinner. Wearing said that with no room for error while serving the world’s elite, he and Clark managed to have fun with their work. He added that working alongside Clark in the most prestigious resorts along the East Coast was iconic, considering that they both came from the same small town in South Carolina with few career options and no culinary education. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to grow a successful career with one of the most exclusive clubs in the world and to share many life experiences with Clark. Outside the kitchen, Clark enjoyed playing golf at courses and in tournaments across the region. Greg said, “No matter where we were playing, Chef (Clark) was never expected to pay – he could have 10 guys with him and the whole group was welcome to join at no charge.” To avoid a two-hour commute each way from Augusta to the house in Holly Hill, Clark lived in a cottage on the grounds. On his days off and during summer breaks, he loved being at home with Minnie, their sons and an addition to the family, their daughter Terra. A TRADITION LIKE NO OTHER Each year during The Masters, Stanley and Greg came to Augusta National to stay with Clark and help in the kitchen before watching the tournament, while Terra, who had no interest in the game, stayed home with her mom. Greg recalled that over the eight days leading up to and during the championship, Clark worked 16 hours a day. “He wouldn’t get home until 1 or 1:30 in the morning to have a quick shower and sleep for a couple hours before going back to the kitchen. It was his ritual.” our sports 1931 – Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts purchase land for Augusta National Golf Club. 1949 – The tradition of the green member’s jacket was established. 1939 – Roberts renames the event “Masters of Golf.” 1933 – First Augusta National Invitation Tournament. 1958 – James Clark Jr. graduated from Roberts High School and moved to Lake Placid, New York, to take a dishwasher position at a high-end hotel. 1962 – Clark married Minnie Gilliard. Early 70s – Clark began working at Augusta National Country Club 1961 – The custom of engraving the winner’s name on the silver Masters trophy was initiated. 1973 – Clark introduced his signature “secret recipe pound cake” to the club. MASTERS TIMELINE
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