(AP) — Gary Player got the best of Jack Nicklaus off the tee. Nicklaus had the last word in the press room.
The 83rd Masters began with honorary tee shots, a tradition that dates to 1963 at Augusta National. Player, with a new endorsement deal at age 83, drilled his tee shot halfway up the hill on the left side of the fairway. Nicklaus, 79, was next and hit some 30 yards shorter.
Here’s the video of the 2019 Masters honorary starters ceremony, featuring Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player pic.twitter.com/3c5hgtzKJb
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) April 11, 2019
They spent the next hour in the interview room. One of the topics was on amateur great and Augusta National co-founder Bobby Jones. Player, who won nine majors, said he felt a player needed to win at least six majors to be considered great.
Nicklaus spoke next on Jones. He said he agreed with everything Player had to say, except that someone needed 10 majors to be considered a great player.
The banter never ends.
