Ben Crenshaw, Carl Jackson team to help Brandt Snedeker

Ben Crenshaw’s playing days as a Masters Tournament competitor ended in 2015. His career as a mentor, however, is still going strong.

Last year, Crenshaw played Wednesday’s practice round alongside Jordan Spieth, providing a handful of tips to the fellow Texan. Other players are also asking for assistance – mainly Brandt Snedeker.

“It’s an honor to have players come up and ask for knowledge about Augusta National,” Crenshaw said before Wednesday’s Par-3 Contest. “It means a lot to know they want my help.”

On Tuesday, Snedeker asked Crenshaw and his longtime Augusta National caddie Carl Jackson to play the second nine. Crenshaw declined but agreed to walk. For five holes, Crenshaw and Jackson, who teamed together to win the 1984 and 1995 Masters, shared insights with Snedeker, who is making his ninth appearance in Augusta.

“I saw (Crenshaw) in Austin two weeks ago and really begged him to play with me this week,” Snedeker said. “No one knows more about Augusta than Ben and Carl. You know, walking those five holes I was trying to pick Ben’s brain a little bit. Just understanding his thought process on the greens, on certain holes on the back nine, what he was thinking. It was really, really helpful.”

Jackson, with his yardage book in hand, spent time with Snedeker’s caddie Scott Vail.

“We’ve been out here (nine years) and Carl Jackson was mentioning stuff we hadn’t figured out yet,” Snedeker said. “It was great to have him out there. He was gracious enough to show us his book.”

Added Crenshaw: “Everyone wants Carl’s help – rightfully so. He’s the best around here.”

As for how Snedeker’s playing, Crenshaw said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Vanderbilt alumnus went low this week.

“Oh man, Brandt’s hitting it great,” Crenshaw said. “I love walking with him and being around him. He’s a tremendous person and I really think he’s going to play well this week.”

Snedeker’s best finish at Augusta National was a tie for third in 2008 after he shot a final-round 77. He missed the cut last year but has three top-15 finishes in nine appearances.

He tees off Thursday at noon with Keegan Bradley and Kiradech Aphibarnrat.