“There’s always some excuse” – Gary Player hits out at Augusta National 

From Rory McIlroy’s grand slam bid to the participation of 18 LIV golfers, there are plenty of compelling storylines brewing ahead of next week’s Masters Tournament. 

Now, there’s another. 

Three-time champion Gary Player has taken an extraordinary swipe at Augusta National Golf Club, telling The Times that he doesn’t feel welcome at the iconic Georgia course.  

• 8 Masters debutants ready to break ‘curse’

• All 18 LIV golfers who’ll be at The Masters 

“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,” said the South African. “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 in a row ever, yet here we are struggling to get a round.  

“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.” 

• Bryson: Tiger Woods has cut me off 

• Montgomerie back McIlroy for Masters glory

Player, 87, is still expected to attend the Champions Dinner on Tuesday night and serve as one of the tournament’s honorary starters next Thursday, a role he has played since 2012.  

However, he has endured an increasingly awkward relationship with the people in charge of the club. Following the 2021 tournament, his son Wayne was reportedly banned from attending tournament after he accused of guerrilla marketing for a golf ball brand whilst caddying for his father at the honorary starter’s ceremony. 

In an interview with the Daily Mail last weekend, Player listed the Masters fourth in a ranking of the four majors.