Why Gary Player’s son is banned from Augusta National for life

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Gary Player is synonymous with Augusta National, having won three Masters tournaments throughout his illustrious career.

Player is one of the greatest golfers of all time, with nine majors to his name including three Masters titles.

Before this year’s edition of the tournament, Player correctly predicted that Rory McIlroy would win the Masters.

Player has always offered his help to young players at The Masters, and he is definitely someone worth taking advice from.

The 89-year-old South African won at Augusta National in 1961, 1974 and 1978.

As a result, Player has a lifetime membership at Augusta. Unfortunately, his son, Wayne, doesn’t have the same privilege.

Why Gary Player’s son is banned from Augusta National for life

Back in 2021, Wayne Player caddied for his father at the Honorary Starters Ceremony.

It was a memorable occasion as Lee Elder – the first African-American to play in the Masters way back in 1975 – joined Player and Jack Nicklaus for the ceremonial opening tee shots.

However, the ceremony was marred by something that Player’s son did during the ceremony.

Nobody would have even noticed what he did wrong at the time, apart from the Augusta National hierarchy of course.

Player’s son conspicuously showcased a box of OnCore golf balls – a brand endorsing Gary Player.

And the Augusta National committee did not hesitate in dishing out their punishment.

Player Junior was immediately removed from The Masters and banned for life from entering the Augusta National property.

It seems harsh but society in general is fundamentally structured through the application of rules, and the Augusta National golf club is no different.

Augusta National’s five strictest rules

It is well known that those who visit Augusta National have to adhere to a strict set of rules.

Here are the five that are policed the most on the property:

• 1. No phones
• 2. No running
• 3. No sitting on the grass
• 4. No overtly branded goods
• 5. No tipping

Those rules may seem overly strict at first glance, but I think it’s nice to have a place in the game of golf that is still sacred.

And Gary Player’s son found out the hard way that flouting any of Augusta National’s rules is accompanied by serious consequences.