Player urges Masters to welcome Wie

Gary Player would love to see Michelle Wie playing in the Masters one day.

“I think it would be the greatest thing that could ever happen to Augusta,” said the South African, whose nephew is the 14-year-old’s caddie.

Wie missed the halfway cut by just a single shot in the US Tour’s Sony Open in Hawaii and Player believes that if she achieves “something significant” then he would like to think the Augusta National club would consider inviting her.

“I think the spectators would love it,” added the 68-year-old. “I would watch her and I don’t understand some of the pros who are anti-women.

“I am a great women’s rights man. When Annika Sorenstam played on the PGA Tour last year I thought it was one of the greatest things I have ever seen. We are trying to promote golf and we have got to keep more people coming in.

“That’s why I congratulate Augusta on inviting the Chinese player this year.”

Zhang Lian-wei is not in the world’s top 150, but gets a place while world number 37 Miguel Angel Jimenez and many US Tour winners do not.

Player is competing in his 47th Masters, while Arnold Palmer makes his 50th and last appearance and Jack Nicklaus his 44th.

Two years ago there were objections raised when the ageing champions were given a hint that perhaps they should not play any more.

But that has been rescinded – win the Masters and you can return as long as you want.