More than six decades after becoming part of Augusta National’s history, Gary Player has revealed he can't play a round there with his grandsons.

According to Golf Monthly, the three-time Masters champion had made a personal request to play one private round with his three grandsons, but Augusta National denied it:

"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," said Gary Player.

"My grandsons are dying to know about their grandfather's episodes on that golf course... All the golf courses that have hosted the Open, the US Open, and the PGA would oblige, but they won't do it at Augusta," he added.

Player has often referred to himself as an ambassador for the Masters and Augusta National, reflecting his 52 career starts and three victories in 1961, 1974, and 1978. However, he does not hold an official title as the ambassador.

Instead, his formal role at Augusta National is as an Honorary Starter, a position he has held since 2012. In this role, he hits the ceremonial opening tee shot to begin the tournament each year.

However, Gary Player has played rounds with his grandsons at several other courses.

For example, he hosted a Grandsons Challenge qualifier at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Florida, in late 2024. Four of his grandsons competed to earn a place alongside him at the PNC Championship. Alex Hall secured the spot through that event.

Following that, Player competed with his grandson Alex at the PNC Championship, held at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida.

How Gary Player Reacted to Augusta National’s Decision

Reflecting on the decision, Gary Player said, "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."

That being said, it's no secret that Augusta National is among the most exclusive courses in the world. Only members can invite guests to play the course.

The fact that Gary Player's family has a history of tensions at Augusta National probably didn't help. At the 2021 Masters, Player’s son Wayne reportedly earned a lifetime ban from the course after advertising a golf ball during a ceremony honoring Lee Elder.

Wayne's brother Marc Player later tweeted that his brother had been banned. Yat, what do you think of Augusta National's decision? Tell us in the comments if you support Gary Player.

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi