Key keywords: Gary Player, The Masters, honorary starter, Augusta National Golf Club, professional golf, golf legend, Black Knight, major golf championship Legendary South African professional golfer Gary Player, widely known by his nickname “The Black Knight” and one of only three golfers in history to complete the career Grand Slam in both the regular and senior tours, made headlines this week with a heartwarming announcement about his future role at The Masters Tournament. During a press event ahead of the 2024 tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, the 88-year-old 9-time major champion confirmed that he plans to continue serving as an honorary starter for the iconic competition until he reaches his 100th birthday. Player, who claimed three Masters green jackets over his competitive career (in 1961, 1974, and 1978, making him the first non-American winner of the tournament in history), first took on the honorary starter role in 2012 alongside fellow golf icons Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, forming the beloved “Big Three” that kicked off the tournament for six consecutive years. Following Palmer’s passing in 2016 and the addition of Tom Watson to the honorary starter lineup in 2022, Player has remained a constant fixture at the first tee on opening morning, drawing roaring cheers from patrons every year. When asked about his ability to keep up the role for another 12 years, Player emphasized his lifelong commitment to fitness and discipline, noting that he still works out six days per week, follows a nutrient-dense, plant-forward diet, and practices his swing regularly to stay in competitive form. “I’ve never missed a Masters since I first qualified to play in 1957, and being asked to serve as an honorary starter is one of the highest honors I have ever received in my 70-plus year career in golf,” Player told reporters. “I hit a 215-yard drive off the first tee this year, and I have no intention of slowing down. As long as Augusta National will have me, I’ll be here to hit that opening tee shot until I turn 100. It’s a promise I’m making to every golf fan around the world.” Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley released a statement shortly after Player’s announcement, expressing full support for the golf legend’s plan. “Gary Player is a living embodiment of the values that The Masters stands for: excellence, perseverance, respect for tradition, and love for the game of golf,” Ridley said. “His spot on the first tee on opening morning is reserved for as long as he wishes to take it, and we cannot wait to celebrate his 100th birthday with him right here at Augusta National in 2035.” The announcement has already sparked widespread excitement across the global golf community, with fans and players alike already marking their calendars for the 2035 Masters, which will feature what is set to be one of the most memorable opening tee shots in the history of the sport.