Gary Player Calls Out Augusta National For 'Disrespectful' Ruling

The legendary golfer is upset that the iconic golf course won't let him play a round with his grandchildren.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Legendary PGA Tour star Gary Player, a three-time Masters champion, is not happy with Augusta National Golf Club. The 90-year-old recently called out the iconic U.S. golf course for denying his request to play a round with his grandchildren, which he says many other major golf courses would allow. Player expressed sadness over Augusta National's decision, stating that while he loves the course, he doesn't like all of its strict rules.

Why it matters

As one of the most revered golfers in history, Player's criticism of Augusta National carries significant weight. The course's refusal to accommodate Player's wish to share his experience with his grandchildren has sparked a debate about the club's rigid policies and whether they are out of step with the changing times.

The details

Player said that Augusta National turned down his request to play a round of golf with his grandchildren, even though other major golf courses that have hosted events like the Open, U.S. Open, and PGA would typically oblige such a request. Player expressed sadness over the decision, stating that he feels he is "walking onto a golf course in Heaven" when he visits Augusta, but he doesn't like all of the club's strict rules.

  • Player, 90, recently made the comments about Augusta National's decision.

The players

Gary Player

A legendary 9-time major champion on the PGA Tour and 3-time Masters winner.

Augusta National Golf Club

The iconic golf course that hosts the annual Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“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 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.”

— Gary Player

“When I go there I feel I am walking onto a golf course in Heaven. I tread very carefully and I love Augusta so much but I don't like all the rules.”

— Gary Player

The takeaway

Player's criticism of Augusta National's refusal to allow him to play a round with his grandchildren highlights the club's reputation for being overly strict and resistant to change, even when it comes to accommodating its most revered champions. This incident raises questions about whether Augusta National's policies are out of touch with the modern era and whether the club should be more flexible in honoring the requests of golf legends like Player.