Perhaps nowhere is local knowledge as important as Augusta National. The iconic venue is renowned for having some of the most treacherous greens in the world, regularly making the game’s best look foolish.
Tiger Woods famously putted off the 13th green and into Rae’s Creek in 2005, while countless others have been left befuddled by the fast and slopey surfaces. But one man who is regarded as an Augusta specialist is Jeff Knox.
Georgia-born Knox earned a degree in finance in 1984, but it’s as a member of Augusta National where he has really made his name, specifically as a non-competing marker.
Knox has played his part in several Masters tournaments as a marker when an odd number of players made the cut through the years. He first appeared in this role in 2002 before being relieved of his duties ahead of the 2022 edition, with Michael McDermott now the Masters marker.
Knox’s name didn’t feature on any leaderboards, but that hasn’t stopped him claiming the scalp of some big names during his time in the role.
Jeff Knox once earned praise from Rory McIlroy
For example, he beat Sergio Garcia in the final round in 2006, making par to the Spaniard’s one-over. That prompted Jim Furyk to say afterwards that Knox could “beat half the field who made the cut.” Eight years later, he shot a 70 to Rory McIlroy’s 71 in the third round of the 2014 Masters.
While that may come as a surprise to many, possibly players among them, it shouldn’t. That’s because Knox has been an accomplished player for many years, and enjoyed amateur success before taking on his enviable Augusta National role, including victory in the 1998 Azalea Invitational. Knox also holds the unofficial Augusta National course record, an 11-under 61 of the member’s tees.
It’s on the greens where Knox, who is also a member of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame, really excels. Such is his prowess on the putting surfaces that many have sought the advice of Knox, with McIlroy saying after the third round alongside him: “He’s the best I’ve ever seen on Augusta’s greens.”
Another multiple Major winner took his praise a step further. Two-time PGA Champion Justin Thomas once said of the course record holder: “I’d take him over anyone in the world on these greens, hands down.”
No wonder Knox has also been sought out for advice from players including Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.
As ever, the greens of the world-famous venue are sure to challenge even the very best as the 2025 Masters unfolds. No doubt, one or two will be left wondering if they may have fared better if they had Knox’s know-how.
