Prior to helping begin the 2024 Masters with a ceremonial opening tee shot, Gary Player took the time to deliver a patriotic message to viewers hammering home the fact that the United States is the greatest country in the world.
Player, originally from South Africa, is among the most-successful golfers in the game’s history with nine major championships, including three Masters victories to his name. It’s clear, and understandable, as to why he has such an affection for the United States given the wildly successful life he’s been able to build both on and off the golf course.
Player became an honorary starter at the Masters in 2012, and prior to sticking the tee in the ground on the first tee box on Thursday morning, the 88-year-old elected to speak about the wonderful U-S-of-A.
“I never forget to mention this, but coming to this great country, the United States of America, if you are here, you are so blessed,” Player stated while standing on the Augusta National driving range. “You should kiss the ground everyday, and just appreciate what this country has done for the world, not only for yourself, but it’s about time America started doing more for their own.”
Player shared another passionate message about the United States in the press building at Augusta National after hitting one of the opening teeshots alongside Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
“Well, obviously, having been here or associated with Augusta for 67 years and having come here for the first time in ’57 and met one of my heroes, President Eisenhower, because as we all know, he’s a man who believed in freedom, and what he did for this great country, you can’t describe it. I had such admiration for him,” Player explained.
“I think the best way to describe it, which is really apt, is gratitude, how fortunate we are. And I’ve traveled more miles than any human being that’s ever lived now, and my eyes have seen things that are enjoyable, but also very sad,” he continued.
“And so you come here to this great country of the United States, the greatest country that God ever made, and that’s a privilege, and an honor, and to be part of this tournament is something that is much appreciated.”
Player last competed in the Masters in 2009, exactly 48 years after he earned his first green jacket in 1961.
