To borrow a phrase associated with the Masters from the great Jim Nantz, it’s become a tradition unlike any other to begin the annual Golfweek Masters Survey by sharing the full Gary Player experience in a Q&A format.
It’s that time of year again when the azaleas bloom and Player, who slipped on the Green Jacket three times — in 1961, 1974 and 1978 — and holds the record for the most career appearances at the Masters with 52, answers a fresh, new round of questions. It’s always a treat to hear his responses on all things Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters.
Then over the next three weeks leading up to the Masters we’ll hear from other past Green Jacket champions, all-time greats and contenders for the Green Jacket. We had questions – everything from recalling their first visit to Augusta National, nemesis holes, favorite Masters traditions, praying at Augusta National and who is destined to slip into a green jacket someday – and they had answers. Boy, do they ever! Let’s get to it with the Black Knight and let our annual tradition unlike any other begin.
When did you first step foot on Augusta National and what is your lasting memory of that day?
My first visit was in 1957, when I was invited by Clifford Roberts, after my father wrote to him. It was a tremendous thrill. I was only a 21-year-old kid who was dropped off at the top of Magnolia Lane and took it all in as I walked down to the clubhouse. Augusta National has been an integral part of my life ever since. The Masters remains, in my view, the best-run tournament in the world.
What is your favorite Masters tradition and why?
The ceremonial tee shot, without question. To stand on that first tee with my brothers, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, and now Tom Watson, men I spent my life competing with and admiring, is deeply emotional. Millions of people around the world are watching us for just one single shot. It represents everything the Masters has meant to us.
What’s one thing that would make Masters week better?
The Masters is always working to make the week better and just when you think they cannot do anymore, they somehow do.
What is the best picture you have from Augusta National and the Masters?
Sitting in Butler Cabin with Arnold and Jack. It was the last time we were all in our Green Jackets together.
What is your favorite hole at Augusta National?
The 18th hole.
What is your favorite hole on the short course?
No. 6 across the water. But I preferred the original Par 3 Course to the newer version.
Who has been the hardest person to tell you couldn’t get a ticket for them?
My son-in-law.
What was your personal nemesis hole at Augusta National?
I never had one. I respected every hole equally.
What past player surprises you most for never winning the Masters?
Ernie Els, Lee Trevino and Tom Weiskopf. All magnificent players who were more than capable.
What current player who hasn’t won the Masters yet will win a Green Jacket?
Bryson DeChambeau. I would be thrilled to see him win. He is one of the best ambassadors for golf in the world today, and he brings great energy and curiosity to the game.
What is a secret to success at Augusta National that you figured out?
Talent. It is the same whether you are playing in South Africa, England or Augusta.
What’s the best change they’ve made to Augusta National?
Lengthening the course. The golf ball has changed the game. By lengthening Augusta National, today’s professionals are once again hitting similar clubs to what we used in the past. The club has done a remarkable job keeping the course relevant. However, I firmly believe we should reduce the golf ball for professionals by 60 yards. In 30 years, players will average over 400 yards off the tee if we don’t act. Take those millions spent on course improvements and invest it in junior golf instead.
What change do you disagree with?
The back tee on the 4th hole.
If you could make one design change, what would it be?
Nothing.
Have you ever prayed at Augusta National?
I prayed every single round I ever played. Not to win but to behave well, to play like a champion and to remember how fortunate I was to be there. I prayed in gratitude for the love of the galleries and the privilege of playing that course.
What important lesson did you learn early on?
When I first played Augusta, I couldn’t reach the par 5s in two shots. So I began a serious weightlifting program. The following year, I played the par 5s better than Jack Nicklaus, who was the longest hitter of our era. I’d like to see him then with today’s equipment. Thank goodness for weight training. It proved that golfers, like athletes in every other sport, benefit from strength and fitness.
What’s the most impressive shot you witnessed?
Arnold Palmer’s chip-in from 65 feet on the 16th hole in 1962. I thought I had him beat. It was impressive, but also lucky. He couldn’t have done it again in 100 tries.
Which Green Jacket moment meant the most to you?
1978 on the second 9. I was seven shots behind and came back in 30 to win. My last major championship on the regular tour at age 42.
Who will be the honorary starters 20 years from now?
That is impossible to say. We don’t know who will be alive. But whoever it is, they will be part of a wonderful tradition. We owe great thanks to the chairmen of the past for establishing and preserving that honour.