Wayne Player, son of nine-time major champion Gary, has been awarded a lifetime ban from attending the Masters after his ill-advised golf ball marketing stunt during the ceremonial tee-off in 2021.
Player never made the cut in 17 PGA Tour appearances during his own playing career in contrast to his father’s success-laden run. However, he has been banned from the iconic Augusta tournament for life following a poorly-timed marketing stunt.
Acting as his father’s caddy for the 2021 ceremonial tee-off, Player held a box of clearly branded golf balls above the shoulder of Lee Elder in what appeared to be a shoddy marketing move. Elder became the first black player in Masters history in 1975.
Elder had been recognised for his place in Masters and golf history and appeared alongside Player’s father and Jack Nicklaus to tee off. However, many viewers were offended and frustrated to see Player’s antics.
“I had probably 50 texts after that, 40 of them said I’m a marketing genius, 10 were like, ‘What the hell were you thinking?’” Wayne Player told GolfDigest, revealing that he has since been banned from the Masters after being asked to leave the event last year. “It wasn’t premeditated, but it was a tacky thing.
“Well, they say there’s no such thing as bad publicity. I found out that that’s not quite true.
“I don’t mind letting people know. To be completely transparent I think it is a cool story because you know, the National never really came out formally and said, ‘Oh, we’re, you know, not allowing Wayne Player to come back to the Masters.’ They never ever said that to the media. That’s just the way they do it. They don’t say much.”
Player admitted he understands why his actions last year were scrutinised so heavily given the importance of Elder’s actions, and he confirmed he apologised to the iconic star after the event. Elder tragically passed away in November aged 87.
“I understand why people took offence to it,” Player added. “Jack [Nicklaus], the Golden Bear himself, told me, ‘What are you thinking?’
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“I said, ‘You know, Jack, you’re right.’ You have to be accountable when you mess up.
“I’ve got Lee’s cellphone number. I called and I said, ‘You know, Lee, I love you guys.’ You know, everyone said I was disrespectful for a special moment in time for Elder.
“I said I was sorry, and I didn’t mean to take up his special time. And he said, ‘Wayne, you know how much I love you. Right?’ It didn’t cross his mind. That’s important for people to know.”
