"That’s why I rate the Open No 1”: Gary Player has to ‘beg’ to play at Augusta

Modified Mar 31, 2023 19:53 GMT

Nedbank Golf Challenge - Day Four — Gary Player at the Nedbank Golf Challenge (via getty images)

Retired South African golfer Gary Player is considered to be one of the greatest players of all time. In a recent interview with The Times, he revealed that the Augusta club did not allow him to play despite him begging them to play at least a round.

Gary Player was deeply saddened by the club's unwelcoming response to someone who helped make the Masters what it is today.

"I've played my role. I've won it three times. I was in the top ten 15 times. I made the most number of cuts in a row ever, yet here we are struggling to get a round. That's why I rate the Open No 1. If it wasn't for the players, (Augusta) would just be another golf course in Georgia."

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After launching a scathing assault on how he thought the Green Jackets handled him, Gary Player admitted in an interview with The Times that taking the symbolic tee shot was one of the few times he got to play Augusta National.

"After all I've contributed to the tournament and been an ambassador for them, I can't go and have a practice round there with my three grandchildren without having to beg a member to play with us, and there's always some excuse. It's terribly, terribly sad."

Former American golfer Jack Nicklaus too expressed a similar opinion, saying he felt it was disrespectful to the players who have made the game what it is today.

There is no chance that Gary Player will ever give in to critics who have suggested that he be removed from his symbolic position as Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson's honored starters at the Masters.

“It's just sad - and I put great emphasis on the word 'sad'- that Augusta don't make you feel welcome in that regard, because I helped make this tournament what it is."

Gary Player also mentioned that he has received a lot of support from fellow PGA players and that he is eager to highlight more of his golfing accomplishments.