The masters tournament was thrown into the spotlight on Wednesday at Augusta National after Gary Player made a remark to Sky Sports reporter Anna Jackson before an interview at the Par 3 event. The 90-year-old golf legend’s comment quickly drew criticism online, with some viewers calling it inappropriate and “creepy. ” Jackson kept her composure and continued the interview without breaking stride.
What happened at Augusta on Wednesday
Player was preparing to speak with Jackson during the traditional Par 3 event when he interrupted her introduction and addressed the camera crew. “How are you guys? No wonder you’re smiling working with this good-looking chick, eh …” he said. Jackson, who also works for Golf Channel and NBC, responded by acknowledging the moment and then moved the interview forward.
She said: “OK, well, Mr. Player, what an introduction that is, ” before asking him how he was feeling. The exchange unfolded live during the masters tournament build-up, and the awkward tone of the moment was immediately apparent to viewers following the event.
Online reaction turns sharp
The comment set off a wave of backlash on social media, where some users labeled Player a “creep” and called the remark “inappropriate. ” Others defended him, saying he is 90 years old and comes from a different generation, arguing that people should cut him some slack.
That split reaction became part of the wider conversation around the interview, which otherwise continued normally. Jackson remained professional throughout, asking Player about his game and form as the discussion moved on from the opening moment.
Player’s long Masters presence
Player remains a major figure at Augusta. He first took part in the event in 1957 and has won at Augusta National three times, in 1961, 1974 and 1978. He was the first non-American to win the masters tournament with his 1961 victory, and he later became the third golfer, and first non-American, to complete the career grand slam in 1965.
He also attended the Champions Dinner on Tuesday night and finished tied for 13th in the Par 3 contest after shooting 1-over par. The Par 3 event is a nine-hole contest in which players’ families often serve as caddies, adding a lighter, more informal tone to the week.
What Player said after the exchange
After the brief tension, Player continued with familiar remarks about his form and fitness. “Well, I’m 90 years old and I’m still shooting par, ” he said, adding that he had “three birdies already” and calling it “a thrill” to be there. He also said he had been coming to Augusta for 68 visits, reaching back to the time when one of his heroes, President Eisenhower, was present.
The masters tournament now moves forward with the conversation centered not on scorecards alone, but on the fallout from a live exchange that drew immediate attention. If the moment keeps resonating, the focus will likely remain on how Player handles the attention as the week continues at Augusta.
