Player to end Masters career

• Tuesday, 7 April 2009
• Alex Narey
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Gary Player: Final Masters

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Three-time Green Jacket winner, Gary Player, has revealed that this week’s Masters at Augusta will his last. The 73-year-old announced his decision after completing a practice round on Monday.

Player played in his first US Masters in 1951, and won nine majors in an illustrious career, including Green Jackets in 1961, 1974 and 1978. He is one of only seven Masters champions to have won three or more Green Jackets, and this week marks his 52nd appearance at Augusta National.

‘I have decided that I would like to make this my last appearance in the tournament,” said Player. "I have enjoyed it very much, as well as meeting all the people over the years. Oh, and of course all the battles that I had with Arnold [Palmer] and Jack [Nicklaus]."

Player cited the length of the course as the primary factor, adding: “I'm exercising profusely, but it's very difficult at 73 to build strength. The golf course is so long. It is just so long. I mean, I'm hitting a wood to almost every single hole.

Player said his greatest Masters memory was winning the tournament in 1978 at the age of 42.

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