I had the opportunity to sit down and interview Billy Casper in 2010 during a Champions Tour event at Rock Barn in North Carolina.

The golf star died Saturday at age 83. He played in 45 Masters from 1957 to 2005, winning in 1970.

Here’s a sampling of what Casper had to say that day:

From the first time I played at Augusta I felt I could win. I guess it took me a few years.

I just liked the way the golf course set up for me.

On competing against the Big Three of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player: Well, you know, it’s very interesting. I won 37 tournaments during their big day. (laughs) They didn’t bother me very much.

On 1970 playoff win against Gene Littler: I got so far ahead. I was seven shots ahead through 11 holes and it looked like that it was all over. I started playing conservative golf. I made sure I got up on 12. Bogey. Parred 13 laying up, made sure I got up on 14, hit off back edge of green and made another bogey. Then I laid up at 15. Played those holes two over par and Littler played them 2 under, so all of a sudden it’s three shots. He hit it in there about 15 feet at 16, and I hit a 5-iron about 7 feet. I made 2 and it was all over. I birdied 17, parred 18, shot 69. He shot 74.

As I walked off the green there was Cliff Roberts. And he stuck out his hand and I expected him to say ‘Congratulations, Billy.’ Instead he said “thank you” twice. He’d been rooting for me to win Augusta for a number of years.

It was really quite an experience for him to say that to me. It’s something I’ll always remember.
Of course when they put the green jacket on you there’s nothing like it.

On the biggest change he saw at Augusta: I think changing the greens, the grass on the greens, really changed the tournament considerably. They got so much faster. Just almost impossible to putt if you got on the wrong side of the hole. These guys just adjust to everything. It wasn’t long before they had it all down pat.

On attending the annual Champions Dinner: It’s an unbelievable experience to be there with the guys.

Being a member of the Masters Club, the champions club, is probably one of the most prestigious things we have in the game. To be there and be Ryder Cup captain is also prestigious thing.

It’s been a wonderful walk through the woods, following the little white ball.