Hall-of-famer Gary Player has been accused of crossing the line during an interview with golf reporter Anna Jackson.
When Jackson and her crew were about to speak to the 90-year-old at The Masters’ Par 3 event, Player cut her off and quickly said: “How are you guys? No wonder you’re smiling, working with this good-looking chick, eh…?”
Jackson — who is highly regarded in the golf world and also has gigs with the Golf Channel and NBC — kept her composure but was clearly taken aback.
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“OK, well, Mr Player … what an introduction that is,” she said to the three-time Masters champion.
Like a true pro, she then went on to ask him about his game and form.
“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?”she asked.
In the meantime, a storm exploded on social media over Players’ “good looking chick” comment.
He was called “creepy” and the comment was obviously labelled as “inappropriate”.
“He is an old creep and he’s pandered to within golf,” one fan fumed on social media.
And another said: “Did anyone else hear Gary Player refer to Anna Jackson as a ‘good looking chick’ live on Sky Sports last night? The worrying thing is, many people will think that type of behaviour is absolutely fine.”
However, many people defended Player, saying the 90-year-old comes from a different era and should be cut some slack.
“He’s 90 years old for god’s sake. The mind isn’t quite what it was when we were much younger,” one fan said.
And another on Facebook said: “This is what happens when you’re older. Give the guy a break. If she couldn’t laugh it off she’s got a problem.”
And another: “He is from a totally different generation, the man is 90 years old.”
Player was also savaged for another comment about his age and shooting below it, due to the fact that it is one he regularly trots out to journos.
“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.”
Golf reporter Sam Harrop was immediately onto it. “Stat alert: Gary Player just said he’s beaten his age over 3,400 times … in a row,”
Fans then sunk the boots in.
“Not like Gary to big himself up is it?” one fan said.
“Never seen someone so proud of themselves and nobody even cares about his old man accomplishments,” another said.
And another: “Short-man syndrome.”
And another: “He does chat bollocks, doesn’t he?”
