Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts as he is awarded the Green Jacket by Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
In the world of golf, few figures command as much respect and admiration as Gary Player. The South African legend, known for his impeccable work ethic and remarkable achievements, recently shared his thoughts on The Masters, his role as an official starter, and Rory McIlroy’s historic win. His reflections offer a glimpse into the heart and mind of a champion who has witnessed decades of golf history unfold at Augusta National.
The Honor of Being a Masters Starter
When asked about his special role as an official starter at The Masters, Player’s response was immediate and heartfelt. “The word that comes to mind is gratitude as this is a great honour in my life,” he said in an one-on-one interview with RG, his voice carrying the weight of genuine appreciation. Standing on the first tee alongside fellow legends like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Elder, and now Tom Watson has given Player immense pride throughout the years.
For Player, The Masters represents tradition in its purest form. “I’ve always believed in honouring the game’s history,” he explained. This reverence for golf’s heritage is evident in how seriously he takes his ceremonial role. Despite only hitting one shot, Player approaches it with the same dedication he once brought to tournament play.
“Every year, I don’t take a single swing or step on that tee for granted,” he reflected. “I warm up for that one shot just as if I was playing in the tournament.”
The atmosphere at the ceremonial tee shot is electric, with patrons and players gathering early in the morning to witness this tradition. Player finds it difficult to articulate the emotion of those moments, but his summary captures it perfectly: “Like I said, gratitude.”
The Magic of the Par 3 Contest
The Par 3 Contest at Augusta National holds a special place in Player’s heart. When discussing this beloved Masters tradition, Player emphasized its uniqueness: “There aren’t many, if any, occasions in sport that are like the Par 3 Contest.”
What makes this event so meaningful for Player is the family element. “To have my family with me is incredibly special,” he shared with evident joy. This year marked a particularly significant milestone as his great-grandchildren joined him as caddies for the first time. The sight of multiple generations of Players walking the pristine fairways of Augusta’s Par 3 course embodied the tournament’s timeless appeal.
Player also appreciates seeing this family tradition extend to other competitors. “Seeing other players with their children and grandchildren caddying is just beautiful,” he remarked. For the golf legend, these moments transcend the competitive aspect of the sport. “It reminds us that golf is not just about trophies and competition, but about love, legacy, and connection,” he reflected, highlighting the deeper values that have sustained his lifelong passion for the game.
A Lifetime of Masters Memories
When asked what The Masters means to him personally, Player’s response revealed the profound impact Augusta National has had on his life and career. His journey with the tournament began in 1957, when as a young man from South Africa, he first traveled down the iconic Magnolia Lane. “I said a prayer of thanks as I began that first walk down Magnolia Lane,” Player recalled, demonstrating how deeply he valued the opportunity from the very beginning.
The story of how Player received his first Masters invitation illustrates both his father’s belief in him and the different era in which his career began. “My father was the person who wrote to Chairman Clifford Roberts about my success and lobbied for Augusta National to extend an invitation to me,” Player explained. The chairman’s response was characteristically direct: “Pack your bags.”
Player would go on to make history at Augusta, becoming the first non-American to win the prestigious tournament. “To be the first non-American to win at Augusta, it changed my life,” he acknowledged. Over his illustrious career, Player made 52 appearances at The Masters and claimed the green jacket three times, cementing his legacy as one of the tournament’s greatest champions.
Beyond the competitive achievements, Player treasures the full spectrum of experiences Augusta has given him. “The memories I have at the Masters, from my wins and the friendships forged, to the moments with patrons, and even the heartaches, are among some of my most treasured memories,” he shared, painting a picture of a life richly intertwined with the tournament’s history.
Celebrating Rory McIlroy's Triumph
Player expressed unbridled enthusiasm when discussing Rory McIlroy’s recent Masters victory. “It was Rory time,” he declared with conviction. The South African legend has long been an admirer of McIlroy’s talents, particularly his swing mechanics. “I’ve always said he has the talent to win the Masters and the best swing in the professional game today,” Player stated, adding that “All young, aspiring professionals and juniors should look to Rory’s swing as a model.”
For Player, McIlroy’s victory was especially meaningful given the Northern Irishman’s previous near-misses and the 11-year wait to complete his career Grand Slam. “I was absolutely thrilled to see him finally slip on that green jacket,” Player said. “No doubt he had to earn it and did do by overcoming adversity.”
Player’s admiration extends beyond McIlroy’s technical abilities to his character and conduct. “He’s one of the great ambassadors of our game today,” Player noted. “How he carried himself over the last 11 years as he tried and tried again to complete the career Grand Slam, I was just so happy for him.”
The qualities Player identifies in McIlroy reflect values he has championed throughout his own career: “Rory has always been gracious, gifted, and committed to excellence.”
With this Masters victory, McIlroy joins an exclusive club of players who have completed the career Grand Slam, a feat Player himself accomplished. “Winning the Masters is a crowning achievement, and now that he’s completed the Grand Slam, he joins a very exclusive club,” Player observed before concluding with a personal sentiment: “I’m immensely proud of him.”
The Enduring Legacy
Through Player’s reflections, we gain insight into not just the tournament itself, but the values that have made The Masters and golf such enduring institutions. Gratitude, family, tradition, perseverance, and sportsmanship shine through his words, reminding us why Augusta National continues to captivate golf fans around the world.
As Player continues his role as an ambassador for the game, his perspectives on The Masters offer a bridge between golf’s storied past and its promising future. His appreciation for both the traditions he helped establish and the new champions who carry them forward demonstrates the beautiful continuity of the sport he has served so well for decades.
For Gary Player, The Masters isn’t just a tournament—it’s a celebration of golf’s greatest qualities, a family reunion, and a living museum of memories that span generations. Through his eyes, we see Augusta National not just as a challenging course, but as hallowed ground where golf’s most cherished values continue to flourish year after year.
