Three-time Masters champion Gary Player has expressed his disappointment at being denied permission to play a fourball at Augusta National Golf Club with his grandsons.
Player famously became the first non-American to win The Masters in 1961 and went on to claim two more Green Jackets in 1974 and 1978. He has made a record 52 appearances at the event and has served as an honorary starter since 2012.
While past champions retain certain playing privileges, Player has never been granted membership at Augusta National, meaning he cannot invite guests in the same manner as members.
“I have been an ambassador for Augusta for all these years, yet they won’t let me have one round of golf in my life with my three grandsons,” the 90-year-old told Golf Monthly. “All the courses that have hosted The Open, the US Open and the PGA would oblige, but they won’t do it at Augusta.
“My grandsons are dying to know about their grandfather’s episodes on that golf course. It is just this current management there.
“But these are the times we live in, and I accept it, but I accept it with sadness. When I go there, I feel like I am walking onto a golf course in heaven. I tread very carefully, and I love Augusta so much, but I don’t like all the rules.”