Gary Player's caddie "FLOGS GOLF BALLS" during Lee Elder's big Masters moment

Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player were joined by Lee Elder, the first black man to play in The Masters, as honorary starters at Augusta National today. Only Elder's big moment on the 1st tee was somewhat ruined by Player's caddie and son who was seemingly trying to sneak in a free ad for golf balls made by OnCore. 

Elder, 86, joined record 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, 81, and nine-time major winner Gary Player, 85, as honorary starters for the 85th Masters, in recognition of him being the first black man to play in The Masters back in 1975. 

Honorary Starters Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus join Lee Elder on the tee. The 2021 Masters is now officially under way. #themasters pic.twitter.com/wNlvGsclew

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 8, 2021

Two scholarships in Elder's name will be awarded annually to a player who competes on the men's golf team at Paine College, a historically Black college and university in Augusta, and one to a player on the new women's team, funded by the golf club.

But as Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, was giving his speech about Elder's life and work in golf at large, Player's caddie decided to use the moment to advertise some golf balls.

A number of golf fans and golf media could not believe what they were witnessing. 

Check out some of the tweets below: 

The caddie is apparently Wayne Player, Gary’s son. He’s previously been arrested for fraud and charged with battery in incidents relating to renting a house at the Masters and selling Masters tickets. How was he even allowed in?!

— Kit Alexander (@KitOnTheCourse) April 8, 2021

Gary Player's son/caddie really did stand there the entire ceremony hawking golf balls. https://t.co/brfxRXwVxw pic.twitter.com/jZZNc0lQZb

— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) April 8, 2021

A couple people have pointed it out (as I didn't catch it in the moment) but Gary Player's caddie (I'm sure he was not acting on his own) using Lee Elder's moment to try and sell golf balls was ... really bad.

— Kevin Van Valkenburg (@KVanValkenburg) April 8, 2021

Lee Elder’s moment...yet Gary Player and his caddie hijack it to sneak in a free ad for golf balls? Stinks bigtime pic.twitter.com/nN9xPoRF8E

— Ryan Kennedy (@kennedyryanj) April 8, 2021

A great golfer, celebrated at a great tradition.



Less could be said for Gary Player’s caddie trying to flog golf balls in the background https://t.co/1zm0SyPt3F

— Cameron Brodie (@_Cameron_Brodie) April 8, 2021

Anyone else notice the shameless use of Lee Elder's moment by Gary Player's caddie to advertise golf balls?

— Dave B (@spackler79) April 8, 2021

Gary Player and his caddie with the bad look today. Who knew Gary had such bad judgement on what’s proper. I guess there is no shame on selling golf balls. https://t.co/zcXPtAxaxy

— Jbay (@jbayzzz) April 8, 2021

Your son was a disgrace during that ceremony, Gary. From someone who is a big fan of yours that was sad to see.

— James (@JFrizz92) April 8, 2021

Why was your son promoting golf balls during the entire ceremony. Bad look Gary

— Brian Maguire (@Maggator) April 8, 2021

OnCore's CEO have since released a statement distancing the company from the controversy.

"We are aware of the criticisms that have been raised as a result of our product being displayed by Wayne Player at this morning's ceremonial tee shot at the Masters, most specifically during the introduction of Lee Elder, one of golf's trailblazers," wrote Keith Blakely. 

"We did not ask or instruct Mr Player to have our ball sleeve visible during the ceremony and are sorry if his actions caused any offense or was a distraction from the wonderful recognition being paid to Mr Elder."

After learning of his invite last November, Elder said: "The opportunity to earn an invitation to the Masters and stand at that first tee was my dream and to have it come true in 1975 remains one of the greatest highlights of my career and life.

"So to be invited back to the first tee one more time to join Jack and Gary for next year's Masters means the world to me."

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