Christiaan Bezuidenhout of South Africa carries his son, John, during the Par Three Contest prior to the 2025 Masters at Augusta National.
Image: Harry How / Getty Images via AFP
Christmas came early for South African cricket legend AB de Villiers as he walked the sacred grounds of Augusta National on Wednesday ahead of the Masters and even hit a shot during the Par-3 contest.
De Villiers served as caddie for fellow South African and Masters hopeful Christiaan Bezuidenout in the traditional Par-3 contest, played on the eve of the 89th Masters. The Par-3 contest gives players a relaxing afternoon with their family and friends before the intensity of the year's first Major begins.
Former Proteas captain De Villiers, who loves a round of golf and is a huge fan of the Masters, even had a go with a club in hands during the Par-3 contest.
“I hit a nice little sand wedge in there, found the green, spun back to the front fringe area. I'm pretty happy,” De Villiers said.
“I was completely numb. Could hardly breathe. I'm happy with the result.”
Describing his time at Augusta as “an absolute privilege,” De Villiers revealed that he has been captivated by the Masters since he was still a boy.
"Glad to be here. I've been watching this event since I was three-years old. It's great to be here with my mate and walk the golf course."
Bezuidenhout, currently ranked 57th in the world, expressed gratitude for de Villiers' support as he prepares for his fourth Masters appearance.
“It was great to have one of my friends here as well to caddie for me,” he commented, reminiscing on their decade-long friendship and numerous golfing adventures with De Villiers.
"We've probably known each other for 10, 12 years. We've played a lot of golf together. We played a lot of pro-ams together back in South Africa."
Bezuidenhout tried to explain De Villiers to reporters in terms Americans might understand, comparing him to retired NFL legend Tom Brady.
"He's probably not as famous in America, but around the world he's very famous. He's like the Tom Brady of cricket," Bezuidenhout said.
De Villiers, considered by cricket fans as one of the finest and most explosive batsmen of his generation, interjected: "I'm right here, guys. I'm standing right here."
De Villiers said he was at Augusta National in 2022 to see Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked defending champion, capture his first major title.
"It was pretty special," he said. "It's more special with him (Bezuidenhout) around. I'll be following him around and hopefully be there on Sunday. We'll see."
Bezuidenhout's best Masters finish was joint 38th in 2020 in his debut.. "Just trying to put myself in a position on the weekend," he said.
Additional reporting by AFP
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