Gary Player sparked controversy at Augusta National on Wednesday when the 90-year-old golf legend made an unexpected remark to Sky Sports presenter Anna Jackson during the annual Par 3 event.
The South African, who has won nine major championships and is widely regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats, caught viewers off guard before Jackson could even pose her first question.
Player turned to the camera crew and asked: "Why have you started working with this good looking chick, huh?"
Jackson, visibly taken aback by the exchange, maintained her composure and replied: "What an introduction that is."
The clip rapidly spread across social media platforms, igniting fierce debate among golf fans.
Viewers took to social media in droves to condemn what many described as inappropriate conduct from the golfing icon.
"We sat there shaking our heads. The old creep," wrote one viewer, while another stated: "He's pandered to within golf."
Gary Player pictured at the Masters on Thursday
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One fan expressed concern about the broader implications, posting: "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."
Others praised Jackson's handling of the situation, with one commenting: "That guy always makes my skin crawl. Says a lot about Anna's professionalism that I didn't even pick up on it."
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Five quirky facts about golf | GETTYHowever, not all viewers were critical of the 90-year-old, with some rushing to his defence by pointing to generational differences.
"He is from a totally different generation, the man is 90 years old. So the channel probably knows what they might get in terms of output," one supporter argued.
Another defended Player more forcefully, writing: "He's 90 years old. Comes from a different era in a country with far bigger issues than upsetting a few bedwetters by calling a good looking girl, a good looking girl."
One viewer struck a more measured tone, noting: "I was disappointed to hear the comment. Anna was totally professional.
Gary Player won the Masters three times during his career
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"Not sure how much GP is aware of current norms but I'm sure he should be."
Player holds a distinguished place in Masters history, becoming the first non-American to claim a green jacket in 1961 before securing two further victories in 1974 and 1978.
He also holds the record for the most Masters appearances, having competed 52 times between 1957 and 2009.
Player's relationship with Augusta has faced complications in recent years, however, after his son Wayne received a lifetime ban for a marketing stunt during the 2021 honorary starters ceremony honouring Lee Elder.