‘How Welcome Are We, Really?’ Gary Player Lashes Out At Augusta

Gary Player has been very vocal this week regarding his opinion of the Masters and those in charge at Augusta National.

First, we saw a ranking of the four men’s majors, in which Player listed the Open as the best and ranked The Masters at the bottom of the pile. He then said that without the players attending the Masters, it ‘would just be another golf course in Georgia.’

Bold statement from Gary Player! Where do you rank the Masters out of the four men’s Majors?

(Quotes: Daily Mail) pic.twitter.com/ipy9HV94wZ

— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) March 28, 2023

He has since said that he is required to ‘beg a member’ if he wants to play the course or take his family to the grounds where he is a three-time champion. Although, his son Wayne has been banned from Augusta for misconduct involving product placement when he was caddying for his dad. Holding up a sleeve of branded golf balls was enough to confirm young Wayne would not be welcome back.

Player has teed it up 53 times at August National and became an honorary starter back in 2012 alongside six-time champion Jack Nicklaus. Past champions receive honorary member status, but Player has lifted the lid on what that actually means. It is different from becoming a legitimate member of the club and playing privileges are not so clear-cut.

Bringing a guest with him requires the attendance of a fully-fledged Augusta National member, and the list is not long. Player does not appear to be asking for sympathy; more questioning how welcome past champions really are, and in the modernization of golf being more inclusive and open – you’d think past champions would be allowed to bring any number of guests with whom to share their experiences.

🚨BEGGING TO PLAY🙏 — 3x Masters champ Gary Player sounds off: “I can’t go & have a practice round there with my three grandchildren without having to beg a member… that’s why I rate The Open #1. If it wasn’t for the players, (ANGC) would just be another golf course in Georgia.”… pic.twitter.com/yKVik1YRu6

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 31, 2023

On the flip side, Player seems to be enjoying these controversial statements of late – gone are the days of smiles and sharing the love of golf and 50 push-ups every time he is on camera.

He seems sincere, and putting gasoline on the fire the week before the event as an honorary starter seems to blemish what will be the most highly anticipated event of the season so far.

Cover Image Via News24