Gary Player recalls near-banishment from Augusta National after 1978 Masters

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 8:30 PM

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

Gary Player recalls near-banishment from Augusta National after 1978 Masters

Summary

Gary Player recounted a close call regarding his potential lifetime ban from Augusta National after his performance at the 1978 Masters. While starting the final round seven shots behind Hubert Green, Player made an impressive comeback with seven birdies in his last ten holes, finishing with a course record-tying round of 64. He expressed that if he had made three more birdies for a 27 on the back nine, it could have led to his disqualification. Despite his complicated relationship with Augusta, Player remains a revered figure and ambassador for the sport.

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By the Numbers

•Player won The Masters in 1978, his third and final title.
•He shot a final round of 64, tying the course record.
•Player nearly recorded a 27 on the back nine, which he claimed could have led to a ban.
•He expressed preference for The Open Championship over The Masters in an interview.
•Player continues to serve as a ceremonial starter at Augusta National.

Latest Updates

8:30 PMYahoo Sports — What Gary Player almost did when he won The Masters in 1978 that he claims would’ve seen him banned for life

What they're saying

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Gary Player once claimed that he thinks he would have been banned from Augusta National for life had he not lipped out on a handful of occasions during the final round of The Masters in 1978. It is nearly 50 years since Player won The Masters for the third and final time.
— Yahoo Sports

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