Gary Player, the nine-time major champion who has won the Masters three times, was part of an unfortunate incident at the 2021 opening of the tournament that led to his son being banned for life by Augusta National. Player, 89, who has been a part of the honorary starters tradition since 2012, hit the opening shot of Thursday’s ceremony with his usual exuberance.

However, the 2021 ceremony was marred by controversy when his son Wayne, who was acting as his caddie, diverted attention away from Lee Elder by holding up a box of OnCore golf balls, a brand that sponsored Player. Fans and Augusta National quickly noticed Wayne’s actions, leading to his accreditation for the tournament being revoked and him being told he would not be allowed to return.

Augusta National has declined to comment on the incident or its action against Player’s son.

In a candid 2022 Golf Digest interview, Wayne offered insights into the infamous incident, saying: “Well, they say there’s no such thing as bad publicity. I found out that that’s not quite true.

“I had probably 50 texts after that, 40 of them said I’m a marketing genius, 10 were like, ‘What the hell were you thinking?’ It wasn’t premeditated, but it was a tacky thing.”

Wayne did not shy away from revealing how the Green Jackets handled the situation quietly, stating: “I don’t mind letting people know. To be completely transparent, I think it is a cool story because, you know, the National never really came out formally and said: ‘Oh, we’re not allowing Wayne Player to come back to the Masters.’ They never ever said that to the media. That’s just the way they do it. They don’t say much.”

Although seeking forgiveness with a letter, Wayne conceded his ban from The Masters stands irrevocable: “It said thanks but no thanks,” referring to the club’s rigid stance which culminated in: “It said, you know, we appreciate you reaching out and apologizing, we accept your apology, but we are not changing our position, we are not going to allow you back. You ruined a special moment in the history of the game of golf.”

This article first appeared on the Mirror US.