No Laying Up - Golf Podcast 1138: Craig Stadler, 1982 Masters Champion
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Apr 3, 2026 Craig Stadler, 1982 Masters champion and long‑time PGA/Champions Tour pro, shares vivid stories from Augusta and life on tour. He recounts the Torrey Pines towel controversy, cutting down the offending tree, memories of the playoff and champion’s dinner, and how pro golf and equipment have changed. Short, colorful anecdotes about temper, the Walrus nickname, and visiting Augusta today round out the conversation.
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Torrey Pines Towel Disqualification
- Craig Stadler was disqualified at Torrey Pines after kneeling on a towel in mud because officials called it "building a stance."
- He argued the rule definition said stance requires feet on ground, but the tour interpreted knees-as-feet and DQ'd him for signing an incorrect card.
Green Jacket Locker Stories
- Stadler describes the ritual of past champions' locker and green jacket mishaps, once trying on a too‑small 1982 jacket that fit like a straightjacket.
- The club keeps original jackets in lockers and sometimes swaps them when necessary.
Back Nine Breakdown From The 1982 Masters
- Stadler remembers the 1982 final back nine shot‑by‑shot, calling it "the best 40 ball‑striking 40" he ever had despite three‑putts and a bogey at 12.
- He described specific shots: one‑iron to 13, great bunker shot on 16, massive divot on 17, and a clutch 18 approach into an eventual playoff win.