Gary Player criticizes the major Masters field

"People think I have many privileges at Augusta National, but in reality I am not. To go in to play golf, I have to be officially introduced and accompanied by members, not just call the reception. That condition is not easy. They always have a reason to refuse while I am always devoted to the reputation of the course and the Masters, "Player said in the British newspaper The Times on March 30.

The South African golf legend says the rules or bureaucracy at Augusta National makes him feel unwelcome. Players think the battlefield needs to have a more open mechanism for the former champions because they themselves contribute to the increasing popularity of Masters.

Augusta National opened in 1934, serving members only and was notoriously picky, having maintained its 300-person limit for decades.

In 1934, this place opened Masters and then monopolized hosting and match points. The Players were born a year after the tournament. In the history of the Masters, the Players played 53 times, of which three times he put on the "green jacket" for the champion - in 1961, 1974 and 1978. In 2009, he retired as a player. Three years later, Player began serving as an honorary tee at the opening ceremony and has held the position to this day.

Through the Daily Mail last week, Player probably upset the leaders of Augusta National by placing the Masters last in class in the major quartet.

"In my opinion, so far The Open is first, then the US Open and then the PGA Championship, and the Masters is fourth," commented Player.

He backs up his personal opinion by arguing that the Masters are the youngest of the majors, the other three being thicker in tradition and history. "Nothing peaks that doesn't take time to build," Player concludes.

Masters started 99 years ago, PGA Championship started in 1916, US Open started in 1895 and The Open started in 1860. During his career, Player has won The Open and Masters both three times, twice the PGA Championship and just one US Open cup. .