Welcome to #GolfweekMastersSurveySzn.
The annual Golfweek Masters survey always gets to the heart of the matter. Leave it to Matt Kuchar to explain the joy of making the turn onto Magnolia Lane during the second week of April.
“I get goose bumps every time,” he said. “That turn down Magnolia Lane is like coming down the stairs as a kid at Christmas. You just know something awesome is around the corner.”
We spoke to past Masters champions, major winners, Hall of Famers and competitors past and present for this year’s edition. As an appetizer of sorts, we’re giving you a sneak peek into the questions still to come with the full survey of none other than Gary Player, the three-time champion. We had questions and he had answers. Our favorite?
Here’s Player explaining the best help he ever got from a caddie at Augusta National that helped him succeed.
“That was Nipper in 1961 when I beat (Arnold) Palmer to win my first green jacket. On the fourth hole, I had a six-footer for par. He said right lip and I thought left lip. We conversed and Nipper said, ‘If it’s not right you don’t have to pay me.’ So, I hit it right lip and it went in. We went on to win.”
How about that confidence in the read from Nipper. With the Masters set to begin on April 11, we’ll be dropping new survey questions nearly on a daily basis so keep checking Golfweek.com for the best answers from more than two dozen pros. We’re confident you’ll be entertained and learn a few new things along the way about some of your favorite Masters competitors, including their picks to win this year.
Golfweek: The coolest thing about the Masters is _____?
Patrons watch the action on the course during the first round of the 2023 Masters. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Network)
Gary Player: The enthusiasm by the galleries and the fact that the tournament is played at the same venue every year. Augusta National knows how to make it better and better.
GWK: What is the scariest downhill putt at Augusta National?
The green on the sixth hole is shown at Augusta National Golf Club, the site of the Masters. (Photo: Rob Carr/Associated Press)
GP: If the flag is on the front left at No. 6 and you push your ball to the top plateau, you might think you have three chances. But in reality, you have absolutely none.
GWK: What’s the hardest tee shot?
Tiger Woods tees off on the 18th hole during the final round of the 2022 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Adam Cairns-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports)
GP: At the moment, 18.
GWK: What’s the must-have merchandise item in the pro shop?
James Walls, 10, from Athens, Georgia, gets autographs on the practice range during a practice round ahead of the 2023 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Network)
GP: A Master pin flag you can get signed by past champions.
GWK: What’s the small attention to detail thing Augusta National Golf Club does that impresses you most?
A course sign for Amen Corner with pink flowering dogwoods near the second hole at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
GP: You will never, ever find a weed. I’m sure the greenskeeper would be fired if anyone found a weed.
GWK: What have you done with your first Masters invite?
Gary Player sports the Green Jacket after he winning the 1974 Masters.
GP: I’ve kept some but I believe the first was donated to charity.
GWK: What’s your funniest ticket story?
Gary Player
GP: My church minister from South Africa, who was touring America, asked me for a ticket. I made the mistake of giving him my own badge. When he came to the gates, the security guards grabbed him to question how he obtained Gary Player’s badge. Fortunately, the chairman at the time, Bill Lane from Texas, who was the ultimate gentleman, took care of the matter.
GWK: Ever stepped out of line/done something wrong?
Defending champion Tom Watson helps 1978 Masters winner Gary Player with the traditional green jacket.
GP: I suppose you know the story about when I took the green jacket home after my first win.
GWK: Are you allowed to use your cell phone? Ever snuck it around?
The 12th tee at Augusta National for the Masters. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
GP: Never had to worry about that because I’ve never been a cell phone user.
GWK: Do you have a favorite building or room at Augusta National?
The clubhouse at Augusta National Golf Club for the 2023 Masters. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Network)
GP: Any room that’s got President Eisenhower or Bobby Jones in it. Though the Champions Locker Room has an ambiance like no other.
GWK: If you went as a patron, which holes would you watch?
The 11th fairway looking toward the green at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)
GP: I would walk them all.
GWK: How do you feel about the changes that were made to No. 13?
The No. 13 tee box during a practice round for the 2023 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Network)
GP: The changes were necessary because the players are hitting the ball so far now. I’m not sure how much more they can take the tee back.
GWK: What’s the best thing your caddie ever did for you at the Masters to help you succeed there?
Gary Player walks up a fairway alongside his caddie during a practice round ahead of the 2013 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
GP: That was Nipper in 1961 when I beat Palmer to win my first green jacket. On the fourth hole, I had a six-footer for par. He said right lip and I thought left lip. We conversed and Nipper said if it’s not right you don’t have to pay me. So, I hit it right lip and it went in. We went on to win.
GWK: In your opinion, what's the best way to lodge yourself for success during Masters week: hotel, small rental house for just you, luxurious estate on wealthy street amongst other players?
Gary Player looks over the course with his caddie during the 1985 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Augusta National/Getty Images)
GP: When I was competing, I preferred the most ordinary house but as close to the club as possible. It was a reminder every day how lucky I am.
GWK: What player did you ask for a practice round that helped you most and what did they teach you?
Gary Player, the International team captain, and wife Vivienne applaud during the foursome matches of The Presidents Cup on Sept. 27, 2007, at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Photo by S. Greenwood/US PGA Tour
GP: Most of the advice I received and took came from my late wife, Vivienne. She was a talented golfer herself and knew the swing well.
GWK: What’s your best Augusta story that didn’t happen during Masters week?
Gary Player describes his win as Charles R. Coe listens during the 1961 Masters Tournament. (Photo: Augusta National/Getty Images)
GP: Senator Sam Nunn visited me in South Africa on my farm and we had many discussions about Augusta and my success at the Masters.
GWK: Who’s going to win the 2024 Masters?
Rory McIlroy (left) and Brooks Koepka at the 2022 Masters. (Photo: Katie Goodale-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports)
GP: Augusta really suits the games of Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka. I hope to welcome both of them as fellow Masters champions one day.
