A controversial publicity stunt led to a Masters champion's son being banned from ever returning to the iconic Augusta National Golf Club.
Due to the popularity of the iconic course and the annual Masters competition, Augusta National Golf Club is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious, exclusive, and famous golf clubs in the world.
So much so, that US President Donald Trump has reportedly been desperately trying to secure a membership at the legendary club, but is yet to be accepted.
Therefore, Wayne Player - the son of three-time Masters champion Gary Player - will be annoyed at himself for picking up a ban from Augusta National for his actions during a previous tournament.
Advert
The incident took place ahead of the 2021 Masters, as former champion Lee Elder – the first black player to win a coveted green jacket - was being honoured ahead of the tournament teeing off.
Wayne was working as a caddie accopanying his father, Jack Nicklaus and Elder as a tribute was paid to the latter at the 2021 honorary starters ceremony.
As club chairman Fred Ridley made a speech to honour Elder, Wayne, clearly aware of how big the moment was, decided to hold up a pack of golf balls to seize the attention and try and publicise the brand.
Retaliating to the gesture, Augusta National immediately removed the Masters Champion's son from the event and issued him with a ban from future tournaments.
Although the club never publicly addressed the incident or the measures taken against Wayne because of them, it has remained firm in its decision, despite Wayne sending an apology years later.
In a 2022 interview with Golf Digest, Player revealed that he had he wrote a letter to Ridley to apologise for his actions, but the apology fell on deaf ears and he remains banned famous course.
"It said thanks but no thanks," Player said of Augusta's reply.
"It said, you know, we appreciate you reaching out and apologising, we accept your apology, but we are not changing our position, we are not going to allow you back. You ruined a special moment in the history of the game of golf.
"They say there’s no such thing as bad publicity, I found out that that’s not quite true."
Despite Augusta clearly being unwilling to forgive the action, Wayne claimed that Elder - who died six months after the event - had accepted his apology.
"I've got Lee's cellphone number," he claimed.
"I called and I said, 'You know, Lee, I love you guys.' You know, everyone said I was disrespectful for a special moment in time for Elder. I said I was sorry, and I didn’t mean to take up his special time.
"He said, 'Wayne, you know how much I love you. Right?' It didn’t cross his mind. That’s important for people to know.
"I don’t mind letting people know. To be completely transparent I think it is a cool story because you know, the (Augusta) National never really came out formally and said, 'Oh, we're, you know, 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."
Topics: Golf
Ben McCrum