Golf icon Gary Player, aged 90, has ignited controversy with what viewers have labelled a 'creepy' remark directed at female presenter Anna Jackson during a live broadcast at the Masters tournament. The incident occurred as Player, a three-time Masters champion, participated in the event as one of the honorary starters alongside fellow legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
Live Interview Sparks Outrage
During the Masters Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, which was won by Aaron Rai and his wife Gaurika Bishnoi, Sky Sports presenter Anna Jackson attempted to introduce Player for an interview. However, the South African golfer interrupted her, first asking the camera crew, "How are you guys?" before making the contentious comment: "No wonder you're smiling working with this good-looking chick, eh..."
Jackson maintained her professionalism, responding with, "OK, well, Mr Player, what an introduction that is..." before proceeding with the interview. Despite her composed handling of the situation, the remark did not go unnoticed by the audience.
Viewer Reaction on Social Media
Sky Sports viewers quickly took to social media platform X to express their disapproval. One user commented, "We sat there shaking our heads. The old creep." Another agreed, stating, "He is an old creep and he's pandered to within golf." A third user was more blunt, dubbing Player a "creepy auld b*****d" while praising Jackson's professional conduct during the awkward exchange.
Player's Press Conference Comments
Earlier, during a press conference before the tournament began on Thursday, Player had spoken candidly about his personal life. He revealed, "I want to live to 100 because I love people, I love golf, I just love life. I've got a young girlfriend - I've changed my life, how about that, at 90, finding a girlfriend?"
He continued, addressing the topic of loss and moving forward: "I'll tell you what, guys, you or your wife is going to die, one of the spouses are going to die, and it's not the end of life. So many people that does happen, and they get so disheartened that they don't think they should continue life."
Player elaborated on his health regimen, saying, "The greatest gift bestowed upon a man or woman is life, so my ambition is to reach 100. I went to India, and I met a gerontologist, and he gave me 11 things to work on, which I adhere to, so I might drop dead tomorrow, but I'm giving it a hell of a try."
Golf and Philanthropy Focus
During his Sky Sports interview, Player also discussed his ongoing passion for golf, stating, "I'm 90 years old, and I'm still shooting par. I've had three birdies already — it's a thrill for me. I've been coming here 68 times, back to when one of my heroes, President Eisenhower, was here. To still be playing at this age, having seen Bobby Jones and all the champions who have come and gone, is a very special gift."
He emphasized his shift in priorities, adding, "Golf is an intrinsic part of my life, but now my focus is philanthropy — raising millions for underprivileged people. I knew what it was like to struggle growing up, so giving back is more important than winning tournaments."
Honorary Starters Tradition
Player, Nicklaus, and Watson participated in the ceremonial tee shots that officially opened the 90th Masters at Augusta National. This tradition honors golf legends and sets the stage for the prestigious tournament. Player's involvement marks his continued presence in the sport he has helped shape over decades.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about appropriate conduct in sports broadcasting and the boundaries between playful banter and inappropriate comments, particularly in live settings where presenters must maintain professionalism under unexpected circumstances.
