I like to play golf, but my son LOVES to play golf. Each year, he and his best friend head to Augusta to see part of the Masters. This is a banner year for the Master. This was Gary Player’s FIFTY-FIRST year there. What an incredible record!
Sphere: Related ContentPlayer sets record with 51st Masters appearance
Larry Fine, Reuters
Published: Friday, April 11, 2008AUGUSTA, Georgia, — Nine-times major winner Gary Player admitted he felt some pressure on Thursday as he set a record by playing in his 51st U.S. Masters.
“Man, that’s a tough golf course,” the 72-year-old South African told reporters after registering a 11-over-par 83 at Augusta National.
“That is so tough. No question, the toughest golf course that I’ve ever played. Not even a doubt.”
Player, in breaking his Masters longevity tie with Arnold Palmer, often found himself more than 70 yards behind the tee shots of partners Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain and American D.J. Trahan on a layout that has been stretched to 7,445 yards in recent years.“Well, par for me is 80, so I was three-over par today, for me. I thought I was going to go for a lot more, though, but I played the back nine well. It’s long. Every hole is a wood (to the green) for me.”
Despite the stern physical test, Player said he found the experience exhilarating and could imagine returning.
“It’s a thrill. It’s a thrill to know now that I hold the record,” he said. “I can shoot around 80 — if I have a good day. I still putt very well, and my short game is still very good.”Regardless of his score, Player was warmly greeted at every tee and green.
“They’re unbelievable,” he said of the galleries. “So full of love and kindness, it’s just really appreciated.”
Player stopped and hugged one female patrons alongside the 18th. “That lady always says to me every year, ‘Give me a hug,’ so I never turn a hug down.”
