Major championships define greatness in golf more than anything else. The number of these prestigious titles often separates legends from merely good players in golf’s rich history. These four annual tournaments stand as the ultimate tests of skill, nerve, and character in the sport. But for decades, the Masters have held a special place in this hierarchy. The tournament’s iconic Green Jacket, blooming azaleas, and exclusive Augusta National setting have made it many fans’ favorite major. Most rank it at or near the top of golf’s four crown jewels alongside the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship, but not Gary Player.
Player set the golf world ablaze with his controversial opinion in 2023. In the conversation with Daily Mail, he said, “But, never mind the Masters, the Open is by far the greatest tournament on the planet. I rate the Open at one, the US Open two, the PGA three, and Augusta four. Four marvelous tournaments. [The Masters is] the youngest of the majors. The others are steeped in tradition and history and they still have to catch up. Nothing comes to the top without time.” “Shocking coming from the golfer who has had tremendous success at Augusta.
The South African golf icon has a rich history with the Masters. He made his first appearance at Augusta National in 1957 when he was just 22. Player later made history as the first international golfer to claim the title in 1961. He went on to win the tournament twice more in 1974 and 1978, cementing his legacy at the prestigious event.
His final victory at Augusta came dramatically. Player started the final round seven strokes behind but mounted an incredible comeback. He birdied seven of the last ten holes to shoot a record-tying final-round 64 and win by just one stroke. Player holds the record for most Masters appearances with an astounding 52 starts from 1957 to 2009.
An interesting nugget about the legendary golfer is that in his first Masters in 1957, Player competed alongside Fred McLeod, who was 53 years older than him, and in his final Masters in 2009, he played with Ryo Ishikawa, who was 56 years younger.
Interestingly, Jack Nicklaus had also said something similar about the Augusta showdown: “The Masters falls fourth because it’s not meant to be ahead of those others. The Masters Tournament is not a championship. You can’t rank a tournament ahead of championships.”
Gary Player puts the Masters last among the major championships.
(H/T: @DailyMail) pic.twitter.com/UmwpTys0xM
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) April 3, 2025
So, when Golf Digest shared the blast from the past on their feed, fans were not happy.
Fan reactions highlight Gary Player’s controversial history
Fans didn’t hold back their thoughts after seeing Player’s ranking. One bluntly stated, “He’s nuts,” reflecting the widespread disbelief at his assessment. This sentiment was echoed by many who consider the Masters as golf’s premier championship with its iconic traditions and exclusive venue.
Another fan brought up past controversies, commenting, “Who cares what a cheater has to say???” This refers to allegations against Player throughout his career. The most notable incident came during the 1974 Rothmans International, where he allegedly improved his lie in a bunker.
Some fans simply dismissed his opinion with quips like, “Opinions are like a**h*les; everybody has one.” Others suggested personal motives behind the ranking. “Cause they wouldn’t let your son play? Salty anyone?” wrote one fan, referencing a 2021 incident.
This comment relates to Player’s son Wayne, who was banned from Augusta National. During the 2021 Masters honorary starter ceremony, Wayne positioned himself behind Lee Elder in a way that appeared to promote a golf ball brand. Augusta National, known for its strict commercial rules, reportedly banned Wayne following this marketing stunt.
Another fan took a personal shot at Player’s standing in the golf world. “That’s ok, he’s last on liked golfers,” they wrote. This highlights the polarizing nature of Player’s personality and opinions throughout his career in the sport.
The most revealing comment shed light on a possible motivation for Player’s ranking. “His beef with Augusta is well documented. Shocked they still allow him as a starter,” noted a fan. Player serve as honorary starter alongside Jack Nicklaus.
The golfer’s controversial ranking has certainly stirred debate in the golf community. His achievements at Augusta make his low rating of the tournament particularly surprising. What’s your take on Player’s ranking? Does Augusta National deserve more respect, or does The Open Championship truly stand above the Masters? The conversation continues among golf fans worldwide.
The post ‘Cheater’: Gary Player Flooded with Hate as His Past Comment Over Augusta National Upsets Fans appeared first on EssentiallySports.
