Golf legend Gary Player issues furious response to stuffy Augusta chiefs after being REFUSED chance to play iconic Masters course with his grandkids

Three-time Masters winner Gary Player has revealed Augusta National chiefs are refusing to let him get a round in at the famous course with his grandsons.

The South African golf legend became the first ever non-American to win a Green Jacket back in 1961, before adding another two to his collection in 1974 and 1978.

He has also competed in the Masters more times than any golfer in history after making 52 starts between 1957 and 2009.

Though despite his illustrious history at Augusta, Player is not actually a member at the club, meaning his request to play a round with his grandchildren was rejected as only members are allowed to invite guests.

‘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 fumed in an interview with Golf Monthly.

‘My grandsons are dying to know about their grandfather’s episodes on that golf course,’ Player added. ‘All the golf courses that have hosted The Open, the U.S. Open and the PGA would oblige, but they won’t do it at Augusta.

‘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.’

Player is not listed as an official ambassador for Augusta National, yet his iconic career is synonymous with the course after he won three of his nine major championships there.

The late Arnold Palmer was a member, while Jack Nicklaus remains one today, meaning he is the only member of golf’s historic ‘Big Three’ to not receive one of the sport’s most exclusive memberships.

From 1960-66, the Masters champion was either Palmer (three wins), Nicklaus (three wins) or Player (one win).

He said about the Big Three: ‘We fought it out every year, and then we made Augusta thanks to the coverage and publicity we generated around the Masters, whether the club likes to admit it or not. They won’t admit it, but we made Augusta.’

However, while he is undoubtedly a great of the course, Player’s relationship with Augusta has become a little more complicated in recent years.

His son, Wayne, is actually banned for life from the Masters over a tacky ambush marketing stunt while a tribute was being paid to Lee Elder at the 2021 honorary starters ceremony.

Acting as a caddie, Wayne was on the first tee for the ceremony with his father, Nicklaus and Elder – the first African-American to play in the Masters. During a speech from chairman Fred Ridley in tribute to Elder, Wayne, who was stood behind him, held up a packet of golf balls with its brand on show.

Elder’s poor health meant he was unable to play a tee shot, as is tradition in the ceremony, alongside Player and Nicklaus. He died six months later, in November 2021.

Wayne later wrote a letter to Augusta National to apologize for the gesture, but it fell on deaf ears and he received the lifetime ban.

‘It said thanks but no thanks,’ he said of Augusta’s reply. ‘It said, you know, we appreciate you reaching out and apologizing, we accept your apology, but we are not changing our position, we are not going to allow you back. You ruined a special moment in the history of the game of golf.’

After his request for a round with his grandsons was turned down, several golf fans cited Player’s frequent criticism of the Masters – including that it’s only his fourth favorite major – as justification of Augusta’s decision.

‘Maybe [don’t] slam The Masters every year,’ one fan said about Player’s rejection on Instagram.

‘He said it’s the 4th best major. I’m sure they took notes,’ another user pointed out.

While one joked: ‘They won’t let me play either’.

One fan argued differently, nevertheless, saying: ‘His son pulled that golf ball stunt and he’s always critical of Augusta. But he’s like 100 let the guy play it with the fam’.