PALM BEACH, Fla. -- One of sport’s great milestones will be achieved when Gary Player, golf’s global ambassador, steps onto the first tee on Thursday, April 10th at this year’s Masters. Player will be making his 51st Masters appearance at the age of 72 and thus will eclipse Arnold Palmer’s prior record-setting performance of 50 tournament appearances at Augusta National.

On February 20th, the 51-day countdown to the evergreen Player’s 51st Masters debut commences. In preparation for this landmark event, Player continues his rigorous practice and fitness regimens that have kept him competitive during his 55 years as a professional golfer. In speaking about his longevity, Player affirms that: “My motivation is that I want to show the world, and youngsters in particular, that if you look after your body you can be productive and successful for a very long time. Golf to me is the most glorious of all games, because as long as you can draw a breath, it can be played and played well!”

Player, who has three Masters titles to his credit along with six other major championship victories, holds the tournament in high esteem and has a deep affection for its traditions. “The Masters has a very special place in my heart and the tournament has played a significant role in my life,” he attests. “I was 21-years-old when I made my debut in 1957 and the only time I missed the Masters since then was in 1973, when I was recovering from surgery. Masters week always is a very special time for me, and this year is poignant because I will have been privileged to walk Augusta’s fairways with most of the game’s greatest players for 51 years.”

Player has a remarkable Masters record. With his maiden win in 1961, he became the first international player to don the famed green jacket. He still holds the Masters record for most consecutive cuts made at 23 (1959-82), and he counts 30 total career cuts in all, which is second only to Jack Nicklaus’ 37 final round appearances. On the last day of his 1978 Masters win, Player rallied from seven shots behind the leader to card a 64, the lowest final day score of any previous champion. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Player’s last Masters victory.

Contact:
Pat Norton (203) 454-4401
pat@oncoursegolf-pr.com
Gida Aden (561) 624-0300
gida@garyplayer.com