Letter from Augusta: Careful what you say lest club decide to kill you with kindness

Gary Player basically went the route of George Costanza in the iconic American sitcom “Seinfeld” who handled his petulant tantrum when he dramatically quit his job and then returned to work the next day and pretended it never happened.

Gary Player reacts after his ceremonial first tee shot during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta. Pic:AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Jack Nicklaus, 83, made his usual quip, this time about bending over to tee up his back is “the hardest part.” Tom Watson, 73, offered a little wit as well, advising the patrons that riding go-karts at his age is a “bad idea” after a recent rollover accident required shoulder replacement surgery.

Gary Player, however, kept his mouth shut. The 87-year-old South African had the honorary honor as the oldest member of the trio. He simply walked to the tee, stuck his peg in the ground and gave it a swat. Then he gave it a little leg kick and walked away quietly.