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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 11: Golf legend Gary Player looks on during the first round of men’s golf on Day 6 of the Rio 2016 Olympics at the Olympic Golf Course on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 11: Golf legend Gary Player looks on during the first round of men’s golf on Day 6 of the Rio 2016 Olympics at the Olympic Golf Course on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Gary Player is one of golf’s yesteryear living legends. But he still remains an important figure in the sport’s circuit. With the prestigious Masters Tournament coming up, the 87-year-old has made a controversial statement, leaving the golf world fuming. It follows his contentious wardrobe decision during the same tournament last year.
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Gary Player ranks his controversial major championships tier list
During his esteemed professional career, Player emerged victorious in nine major championships. He won three Masters titles, three British Opens, two PGA Championships, and a solitary U.S. Open trophy.
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Player is one of only five players in golf’s history to have completed a career Grand Slam. Henceforth, the distinction allows him to have his say regarding the most demanding major championships. However, his tier list raised many eyeballs.
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“I rate the Open at one, the U.S. Open two, PGA three and Augusta four,” Player said. The order left many in the golf community fuming, who made their feelings known through the comments section.
“Augusta, Open, US Open, PGA. That’s the answer,” a user commented. “Augusta, USO, British Open, PGA,” said another. A netizen gave Player the benefit of doubt, despite disagreeing with the former golfer’s comments. “I would say he’s wrong but when you’ve won them all, you can pick I guess.”
How did Gary Player get into trouble last year?
The ‘Black Knight’ made headlines last year during the Masters week, but it didn’t involve any controversial words. Instead, Player let his outfit do the talking after wearing a sweater emblazoned with a Saudi Golf logo for the ceremonial opening tee shot at Augusta National last year.
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Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 7, 2022 South Africa’s Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus of the U.S. and Tom Watson of the U.S. on the 1st tee during the ceremonial start on the first day of play REUTERS/Mike Blake
The move caught many by surprise. Exactly a year ago, the LIV Golf Series was yet to be finalized, but the world was made aware of a rebel league in the works. It was known that the Saudi government was backing the initiative, which was then called the Saudi Golf League.
Player’s sweater, which had clear wording of ‘Golf Saudi’ left fans questioning their legend’s loyalty. Though he denied any associations with the league, it left a lasting impression on one of the biggest golf platforms at Augusta National.
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Written by
Edited by
Manaal Siddiqui