Talkin’ Sports
By Justin Hanover
Teeing it up with golf expert Brian Katrek
W
hether you are a diehard sports fan, an average sports fan or not a sports fan at all I would bet that you have heard of the golf tournament called, “The Masters”. With April being Masters month and the tournament being not too far down the road in Augusta I thought it would be a good time to catch up with my good friend, Brian Katrek. Brian does play-by-play on “PGATOUR Live” and has been hosting golf tournaments since 1999. He is once again the 18th tower host for the 2021 Masters. Like many of us, Brian is also a local, living right here in Cobb County. Justin: April is here and that therefore means it’s time for what is generally regarded by many as the greatest golf event in the world, The Masters. What makes this week so special and do you view it as the best tournament? BK: The Masters is my favorite tournament of the year. The word you constantly hear used to describe the week is “special”. It is special to me because Bobby Jones is the greatest amateur of all time and it is his event. He founded the club, and the club puts on the event every year. They go all out to make the tournament the best it can be, and it shows. It is so rare to be at a week-long gathering where everyone is respectful and on their best behavior all week. I can’t think of anything else like it.
Justin: How did you ever get into the game of golf? Was this a passion you were born with or did it grow on you? BK: I came to golf late in my life. There were a few recreational rounds as a kid and teenager, but nothing regular or serious. My fatherin-law played and was an avid golfer when I married into the family in 1996. It didn’t take me long to get hooked. This was right before the game would explode with Tiger’s Masters win in 1997. The result would be millions of new players, tons of worldwide interest in the game, and lots of new job opportunities. How can you not get excited about that? Justin: Speaking of Tiger and I think I personally know this next answer, who is your favorite player of all-time and why? BK: Yup, Tiger. He changed and dominated the game. The best description I have heard about Tiger’s impact on the sport is that he didn’t raise the bar, he raised the floor. Money went up, exposure went up, and the professional game is now so much deeper because of him. Four years ago, there were 30-40 players each week (out of 150) who had a legitimate chance of winning the tournament. Now, it is 100. Or even 120. At this year’s Players Championship, there were 113 players with at least 1 win and all in the same tournament. Those are the fields he cultivated, and those are the same fields he dominated. Justin: With all of your jobs do you have time to get out and play yourself? BK: I do, I am very lucky. Any time I spend on the golf course almost counts as work. Almost. When I am home, there is plenty of time to play. When there isn’t, I can usually squeeze in 9 holes, or some time on the driving range. Justin: Having lived here in Cobb County for some time I’m sure you have a good sampling of our local courses. What are your favorites to play? BK: I live 2 miles from Dogwood. It is such a fun course and never takes more than 4 hours to play. That makes it very easy for me to sneak over there in between gigs. I am also a member at Pinetree. The members there are so passionate about the sport, and the greens are some of the best in the country. I love the convenience and fun of Fox Creek and Legacy. Both are great places to learn and become comfortable playing. They are also quick rounds. Justin: Final question, give us that all-time Katrek top 5. BK: Tiger, Jack (Nicklaus), Arnold (Palmer), Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan. Many thanks to Brian who can also be heard daily on Sirius/XM PGATOUR radio on “Katrek and Maginnes on Tap”. You can also follow Brian on twitter @bkatrek.
Justin Hanover is a sports reporter/analyst who has worked in the business since 1996. His stops have included ESPN, CNN, 790 The Zone and 680 The Fan. He has also done play-by-play analysis and color commentary ranging from the high school level all the way through the professional level. Justin lives in Smyrna with his wife and three children.
PAGE 14
Our Town
