Golf Legend Gary Player's 'Creepy' Comment to Presenter Sparks Outrage at Masters
Golfing icon Gary Player left Masters viewers stunned on Wednesday after making what many described as a 'creepy' comment to a female television presenter during coverage of the prestigious tournament's traditional Par 3 event. The incident occurred at Augusta National Golf Club, casting an unexpected shadow over the eve of golf's most iconic championship.
Awkward On-Air Exchange Goes Viral
Sky Sports presenter Anna Jackson was working at Augusta National's annual Par 3 contest when she attempted to interview 90-year-old Player, a nine-time major champion widely considered one of the greatest golfers in history. Before Jackson could even pose her first question, Player appeared to direct a remark toward her colleagues behind the camera, asking: 'Why have you started working with this good looking chick, huh?'
The visibly flustered presenter quickly responded with, 'What an introduction that is,' maintaining her professionalism despite the clearly uncomfortable moment. The exchange was broadcast live and rapidly went viral across social media platforms, where golf fans and viewers expressed their dismay at Player's inappropriate behavior.
Social Media Backlash and Divided Reactions
The incident prompted immediate and widespread criticism from viewers who took to social media to condemn Player's comments. One viewer commented, 'We sat there shaking our heads. The old creep,' while another stated, 'He is an old creep and he's pandered to within golf.'
Many expressed concern about the normalization of such behavior, with one outraged viewer asking, 'Did anyone else hear Gary Player refer to Anna Jackson as a 'good looking chick' live on Sky Sports last night? The worrying thing is, many people will think that type of behaviour is absolutely fine.'
Others praised Jackson's professional handling of the situation, with one observer noting, 'You could tell from her reaction she wasn't impressed yet she remained professional when Gary then went on to tell everyone how great he is yet again.' Another added, 'Says a lot about Anna's professionalism that I didn't even pick up on it.'
Generational Defense and Context
Some viewers came to Player's defense, citing his age and generational background. One supporter posted, 'He is from a totally different generation, the man is 90 years old. So the channel probably knows what they might get in terms of output.'
Another defended Player by stating, 'He's 90 years old. Comes from a different era in a country with far bigger issues than upsetting a few bedwetters by calling a good looking girl, a good looking girl. Of course, you've never, not once, said a girl (or boy) was good looking I bet.'
However, many critics rejected this justification, with one viewer commenting, 'I was disappointed to hear the comment. Anna was totally professional. Not sure how much GP is aware of current norms but I'm sure he should be. I hesitate to suggest it may be entitlement and putting it down to a man from a different era, not that it excuses it.'
Player's Masters Legacy and Family Controversy
Despite the controversy, Player is scheduled to participate in the ceremonial opening tee shot at the Masters on Thursday, continuing his role as one of the honorary starters that began in 2012. He will tee off alongside fellow golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson to officially open the tournament.
Player's Masters history is storied and significant. He became the first non-American to win the coveted green jacket in 1961, adding two more victories in 1974 and 1978. His record of 52 Masters appearances between 1957 and 2009 remains unmatched in tournament history.
However, Player's relationship with Augusta National has grown complicated in recent years due to a separate controversy involving his son, Wayne Player. Wayne received a lifetime ban from the Masters following a marketing stunt during the 2021 honorary starters ceremony.
While serving as his father's caddie during a tribute to Lee Elder, the first African-American to play in the Masters, Wayne held up a packet of golf balls with its brand prominently displayed. Elder, who was in poor health and unable to participate in the traditional tee shot, passed away six months later in November 2021.
Wayne later wrote a letter of apology to Augusta National, but the club maintained its position, with Wayne revealing their response: 'It said thanks but no thanks... we appreciate you reaching out and apologizing, 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.'
The incident with Anna Jackson adds another layer to the complex public perception of the Player family's relationship with golf's most prestigious tournament, raising questions about appropriate conduct in sports broadcasting and generational attitudes toward professional interactions.
