Gary Player Sounds Off On Son's Lifetime Ban At The Masters

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 12:48 PM ET

While Gary Player has been enjoying himself at the 2026 Masters, his son Wayne is wondering what could've been.

Believe it or not, Wayne Player has been banned from the grounds since the 2021 Masters. This decision was made after he was spotted holding a box of OnCore golf balls as Lee Elder was being recognized during the Honorary Starters ceremony.

“Well, they say there’s no such thing as bad publicity. I found out that that’s not quite true. I had probably 50 texts after that, 40 of them said I’m a marketing genius, 10 were like, ‘What the hell were you thinking.’ It wasn’t premeditated, but it was a tacky thing. I don’t mind letting people know,” Wayne told Golf Digest. “To be completely transparent, I think it is a cool story because, you know, the National never really came out formally and said, ‘Oh, we’re not allowing Wayne Player to come back to the Masters.’ They never ever said that to the media. That’s just the way they do it. They don’t say much.”

Apr 10, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Gary Player tips his hat to the crowd after serving as an honorary start during the first round of the Masters Tournament. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images Katie Goodale-Imagn Images

Even though it could be viewed as a stain on the family legacy, Gary Player has no issue with the Masters banning his son.

"It was wrong," the three-time Masters champion said. "And I said to Augusta, ‘Listen, a man’s got to take his punishment.’ If he does something wrong and you don’t want him back here again, then just bar him. That’s what you go to do."

Gary Player is facing criticism this week.

Roughly 48 hours ago, Player went viral for referring to Sky Sports Golf presenter Anna Jackson as a "good-looking chick." That remark didn't exactly sit well with the public.

Jackson, however, handled this interaction with grace.

"Okay, well, Mr. Player, what an introduction that is," she replied. "You’re obviously one-third of the great honorary starters come Thursday morning. Here you are back at the Par 3, you look so good, you’re playing some good golf, how are you feeling?"

Luckily for Player, his ceremonial tee shot on Thursday morning drowned out some of the noise at Augusta National.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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