Gary Player risks wrath of the green jackets with 'never mind the Masters' take

Some golf fans were debating whether Gary Player should be removed as an honorary starter of The Masters after he ranked the tournament dead last out of all of the majors. 

In an interview with the DailyMail, Player was clear in what he thinks is the best major. 

He told the publication:

The nine-time major champ added:

Player, who slipped on the green jacket in 1961, 1974 and 1978, was made an honorary starter of the tradition unlike any other in 2012. 

Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson all hit the opening tee shots in front of thousands of patrons. 

Watson replaced Lee Elder in hitting the opening tee shot after the trailblazer's death in 2021.

Elder was the first African American man to compete in The Masters. 

Some golf fans were a bit confused by Player's bold take. 

ANGC has to remove Gary Player from the Ceremonial Opening Tee shot, don't they?

— Jake Weaver (@MidwestGolfJake) March 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

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Although it should be noted that Nicklaus is on record echoing similar sentiments. 

Nicklaus told Golf Digest in 2016:

As for Augusta, Nicklaus previously said:

Related: CBS chairman vows fair coverage for LIV players at 2023 Masters

Suffice to say, Player's comments will likely not go down too well with Augusta chiefs. 

Controversy seems to follow Player at The Masters in recent years. 

His son Wayne Player was banned from the major for life after he was involved in a tacky marketing stunt during the 2021 opening ceremony. 

Wayne Player was stood on the first tee as a caddie alongside his father, Nicklaus and the aforementioned Elder. 

He stood behind Elder holding up a packet of golf balls with its brand on show. 

Wayne Player later revealed he wrote to Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley to apologise but was effectively told: thanks, but no thanks. 

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