‘Kick Him Off’: Despite Recreating an Iconic Moment, Golf World Shows No Love to Gary Player After Augusta National Controversy

In the lead-up to the 87th Masters, one person has dominated headlines away from the action. While three-time Masters champion Gary Player isn’t competing at the event, he was at hand for the ceremonial tee shot at the Augusta National. Looking fit and firing in his late 80s, the yesteryear legend also took fans down memory lane with his iconic kick celebration. While the celebration was quite a sight, it failed to win the hearts of the fans in light of his recent statements.

Gary Player’s celebration draws criticism from fans

The nine-time major championship winner has been a regular at the ceremonial tee shot to open the Masters Tournament. Sporting an all-black attire, the 87-year-old was the first among three legends to open the competition, with his tee shot comfortably reaching the fairways.

After receiving a warm round of applause, Gary Player showed his appreciation with his iconic kick-of-the-leg celebration. While it was cheered on at the course, netizens online weren’t pleased. Here’s a selection of those tweets.

While one user called for him to be dismissed from the fabled greens, another shared a gif without any explicit explanation.

People shared their unfiltered thoughts based on the tweet’s image and Player’s comment.

A Twitter user also took a funny dig at him.

Some people were just not impressed.

Some social media users employed emojis to share their feelings.

A person even booed him!

A Twitter user thought Player was ‘unbearable’.

Despite his status as one of the game’s greatest, why is Gary Player facing so much backlash? Turns out, he shared some debatable thoughts about the Masters.

Watch This Story: ‘An Incredibly Difficult Decision’: Golf World Reacts as PGA Tour Veteran Announces the End of an Era

Gary’s Player’s controversial statements ahead of the Masters Tournament

The 87-year-old has stirred the controversy pot numerous times in recent days. Ahead of the season’s inaugural major championship, Player didn’t hold back in naming the Masters Tournament as the least competitive major in his opinion.

Nicknamed the ‘Black Night,’ the golfer ranked the Open Championship on top of his list. The statement sparked chaos amongst fans of the prestigious tournament, but there was more controversy in store. Gary Player later claimed that he had to beg to play a round at the Augusta National despite his accolades on the golf course.

Read more: ‘That’s Your Tour’: Despite Having Neutral Feelings for LIV Golf, 9x Major Champion Bursts Out at the League Over Its Demands

Many among the golf fraternity wished for Player’s dismissal at the Masters opening because of his recent controversial statements. But the organizers of the tournament downplayed the chaos and chose not to make any changes in haste, which resulted in Gary Player teeing off today.

What did you make of the reactions to Gary Player’s leg kick celebration at the ceremonial tee shot of the 87th Masters?