Why Gary Player claimed Augusta is not even a special golf course after they made ‘terribly, terribly sad’ decision

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There is not one figure in the world of professional golf who speaks his mind more than the great Gary Player.

To label Player as a no-nonsense character is an understatement in the extreme.

The three-time Masters champion and nine-time major winner often pulls no punches when it comes to delivering his verdict on the modern-day game.

Only recently, Player caused a stir by suggesting that Scottie Scheffler’s wins should come with an asterisk, due to the fact that he’s not competing against LIV golfers regularly.

However, back in 2023, he actually took aim at Augusta National Golf Club.

Interestingly, Player’s son, Wayne, is banned for life from Augusta after he conspicuously showcased a box of OnCore golf balls – a brand endorsing his father.

That is strictly forbidden at Augusta National.

So it would be fair to suggest that Player’s son’s actions have made things very difficult for the nine-time major winner.

Why Gary Player claimed Augusta is not even a special golf course

Back in 2023, Player made a series of stunning claims about Augusta National during an interview with The Times.

The South African – who reigned supreme at Augusta in 1961, 1974 and 1978 – explained how difficult it is for him to play a round of golf at the Masters venue.

He explained: “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.

“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.“

Player then suggested something that the Augusta National hierarchy do is ‘terribly, terribly’ sad.

The South African said: “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.

“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.“

He then went off on somewhat of a tangent by insisting that he’s the most popular golfer to have ever lived.

Player said: “I’ve had phenomenal support. I don’t think there’s anybody on this planet who gets more love than me.

“There’s no golfer who’s ever had a tougher life than I have. I’ve won more tournaments than any man alive. I’ve won more national Opens than Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer put together. I’ve done remarkable things.”

In typical Player fashion, he did not hold back at all with any of those comments. He’s definitely right in one aspect – it is extremely sad that the Augusta National committee seemingly do not treat former Masters champions with a little more respect.

Gary Player’s Masters record

Player played in an incredible 52 Masters tournaments throughout his career.

That proves what incredible longevity Player had and is a testament to how physically fit he remained during his playing days.

Here are his results during his playing career at Augusta:

That is a sensational Masters record in all fairness to Player, and it’s worth pointing out that the majority of his missed cuts at Augusta National came in his later years.

It’s just such a shame that he seems to share a somewhat frosty relationship with the powers that be at the golf club these days.