On Tuesday evening of The Masters week, Augusta National Golf Club hosts the annual Champions Dinner.
Defending champion Jon Rahm welcomed 34 former winners as they indulged in Spanish food selected for his menu.
The 1961, 1974 and 1978 Masters winner, Gary Player, posted on social media about the evening.
“Tonight, we celebrated Jon Rahm’s outstanding accomplishment last year and also remember our friend Jackie Burke Jr. Hard to believe I am now this table’s elder statesman until my time is up. Will cherish every moment,” Player wrote.
Tonight, we celebrated Jon Rahm’s outstanding accomplishment last year and also remembered our friend Jackie Burke Jr. Hard to believe I am now this table’s elder statesman until my time is up. Will cherish every moment. GP
@TheMasters pic.twitter.com/0VJBWN6UP5
— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) April 10, 2024
He is the oldest returning champion at 88 years old since Jackie Burke Jr. passed away in January.
The South African has also been part of the honorary starters with Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson since 2012.
Player posted a video walking down Magnolia Lane as he began his 67th week in Augusta.
He shockingly ranked The Masters as the fourth-best major last year.
“The Masters falls fourth because it’s not meant to be ahead of those others,” Player said. “The Masters Tournament is not a championship. You can’t rank a tournament ahead of championships.”
Semantics aside, The Masters is obviously a prestigious event and Player is honored to be in his current position.
Now that he is the elder statesman, Player seems to reflect even more on the importance of The Masters.
One day later, he was back at it taking to X with yet another emotional message.
The love we receive from the patrons every year at the Masters is simply remarkable. Jack, Tom and I are so privileged to take part in this special occasion. Expressing my sincere gratitude to all who watched. Though it’s just one shot, we live for moments like this! GP pic.twitter.com/dcFhqkyNeu
— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) April 12, 2024
“The love we receive from the patrons every year at the Masters is simply remarkable. Jack, Tom and I are so privileged to take part in this special occasion. Expressing my sincere gratitude to all who watched. Though it’s just one shot, we live for moments like this! GP”
We don’t know how much longer the 88-year-old legend will grace our presence at Augusta National. But he will forever be treasured regardless.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
