Gary Player leaves Sky Sports Golf reporter stunned with ‘good looking chick’ comment

Gary Player left Sky Sports Golf presenter Anna Jackson momentarily stunned during a live interview at the Masters Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, opening with a line that raised eyebrows.

As Jackson began, microphone in hand, saying, “I’m here with the one…,” Player interrupted before she could finish, turning to a cameraman and quipping: “How are you guys? No wonder you’re smiling working with this good looking chick, eh…”

Jackson, who also works for Golf Channel and NBC, maintained her composure, replying, “Okay, well, Mr Player, what an introduction that is… you’re obviously one-third of the great honorary starters come Thursday morning. Here you are back at the Par 3, you look so good, you’re playing some good golf, how are you feeling?”

The 90-year-old South African golf legend was undeterred, reflecting on his decades-long association with Augusta National. 

“Well I’m 90 years old and I’m still shooting par,” said Player. 

“I’ve had three birdies already — it’s a thrill for me. I’ve been coming here 68 times, back to when one of my heroes, President Eisenhower, was here. 

“To still be playing at this age, having seen Bobby Jones and all the champions who have come and gone, is a very special gift.” 

Player, a three-time Masters champion, also spoke about the changing focus of his life. 

“Golf is an intrinsic part of my life. But now my focus is philanthropy — raising millions for underprivileged people. I knew what it was like to struggle growing up, so giving back is more important than winning tournaments.”

Social media reaction was swift, with one fan criticising Player’s comment, writing: “Sky gotta stop interviewing Gary Player, man.” 

A number of others questioned his claim about beating his age over 3,400 times.

Player will be one of three honorary starters for the 2026 Masters, alongside record 18-time major winner and six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus and eight-time major winner and two-time Masters champion Tom Watson. 

It will mark the fifth occasion the trio has hit the opening shots together.

Player, who won The Masters in 1961, 1974, and 1978, became the first non-American champion and boasts 15 top-10 finishes in 52 appearances. 

He has served as an honorary starter at Augusta National since 2012.