Episode Details

McConnell Golf presents ROAD TO AUGUSTA with Ward ClaytonEpisode 5: The Food of Augusta and the Masters' Iconic SandwichesThis episode explores Augusta's Masters-week food culture on and off the course, focusing on Augusta National's famously simple, affordable concessions and the local restaurant scene. Host Ward Clayton interviews Chris Cunningham of Wife Saver about growing up in Augusta, the origins of Wife Saver, and how he began supplying Augusta National—first improving the bone-in chicken "sandwich," then producing chicken sandwiches for decades on a handshake with concessions head Alex Colley, and later making pimento cheese and egg salad. Cunningham explains what makes good pimento cheese (quality sharp cheese and heavy-duty mayonnaise), why the sandwich became iconic (low price and novelty), and notes complaints when the recipe changed after production moved in-house. Clayton also interviews restaurateurs Todd Schaefer (Abel Brown) and Walter (French Market Grill and Rae's Coastal Cafe) on Masters-week operations, hospitality, Augusta dining recommendations, community support after Hurricane Helene, and concludes with a pimento-cheese brand taste test (Palmetto vs. My Three Sons) and sandwich variations.00:00 Augusta's Iconic Concessions01:00 Meet Chris Cunningham03:03 Wife Saver Origins05:29 Family Legacy and Polio07:03 Masters Week at Wife Saver08:37 Supplying Augusta National10:18 Chicken Sandwich Upgrade12:08 Pimento Cheese and Egg Salad14:37 Secrets of Great Pimento Cheese17:07 Why the Sandwich Is Iconic21:31 Local Restaurants to Try24:05 Masters Tips and Traditions26:39 Quick Hits and Favorite Spots31:20 McConnell Golf Message32:49 New Panel Todd and Walter33:31 Why They Chose Restaurants36:36 Abel Brown Name Story37:42 Passion and Hospitality39:40 Masters Week Operations43:22 Ray’s Creek Coastal Cafe Name45:23 Bill Murray at Ray’s46:11 Favorite Masters Food46:29 Masters Concessions Praise47:55 Pimento Cheese Hacks48:24 Best Store Pimento49:28 Upgrading The Sandwich50:35 Celebrity Dining Stories52:51 On Course Masters Memories56:51 Walter Hit By Drive59:00 Hurricane Helene Relief01:03:43 Augusta Week Must Dos01:06:16 Favorite Local Courses01:07:43 Patch Project Revival01:11:10 Where To Eat Elsewhere01:18:09 New Ventures And Catering01:21:48 Pimento Cheese Taste TestWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState