Golf legend Gary Player slammed for 'creepy' comment towards female reporter during Masters
Golf legend Gary Player has come under fire for a "creepy" comment towards a female reporter at The Masters.
The 90-year-old three-time Masters champion made the comments to Sky Sports golf reporter Anna Jackson during the traditional par-3 tournament on Thursday morning (AEST).
She had just begun introducing Player on the UK's broadcast when he cut her off.
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Gary Player and Anna Jackson in interview during the annual par-3 tournament ahead of The Masters at Augusta. Sky Sports Golf
"I'm here with the ...," she said before Player interrupted with a comment directed at the camera operator.
"How are you guys? No wonder you're smiling working with this good-looking chick, eh..."
Jackson reportedly looked to have been caught off guard by the comment, but managed to maintain her composure to continue the interview.
"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?"
Viewers were quick to torch the comments online, with many labelling them "creepy" and "inappropriate". Others were just as quick to point out his age.
Jackson is well respected in the golf industry, and also holds roles with NBC and the Golf Channel in the USA. She is believed to be in her mid-30s - barely a third the age of Player.
Gary Player kicks the air after playing his honorary tee shot on the first morning of the Masters. Getty
The interview then proceeded as normal, with Player talking up his remarkable fitness that has allowed him to play the game at a high level - albeit not professionally - at an age most of his peers have given the game away.
"Well, I'm 90 years old, and I'm still shooting par," Player said.
"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."
Player is one of three Masters legends - along with Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus - invited annually to hit the ceremonial first tee shots on the Thursday morning at Augusta.
