THE MASTERS RELATED STORIES The Masters Home Page The Masters Preview Round 4: Trevor Immelman seals three shot Masters victory Round 4: Upsetting collapse for Brandt Snedeker Round 4: Amen Corner takes away Steve Flesch's challenge Round 4: Tiger Woods slam bid ends at the first hurdle Round 4: Phil Mickelson rues putting mistakes Round 4: Strong finish for Miguel Angel Jimenez Round 3: Immelman leads heading into Sunday Round 3: Practice paying off for Brandt Snedeker Round 3: Zach Johnson still in with a chance Round 3: Phil Mickelson falls out of contention Round 3: Tiger poised to make Sunday charge Round 2: Immelman leads in to the weekend Round 2: Couples misses Masters cut for first time Round 2: Tiger struggles but still in contention Round 2: Risk pays off for Brandt Snedeker Round 2: Phil Mickelson well placed at five under Round 1: Rose & Immelman lead as Tiger toils Round 1: Players sets record with a "three over" Round 1: Couples struggles in pursuit of cut record Round 1: On-song Singh pursues his dream Round 1: Early flowering Rose must keep blooming Round 1: 'Fun' Augusta outing pays off for trio Round 1: Johnson pleased to be down to business Round 1: Tiger Woods not troubled by slow start Course Guide: Augusta National The Masters Scores The Masters Latest Odds and Betting Pairings and tee-times Players forecasting high-scoring championship Grand Slam talk continues at Augusta Gary Player to make Masters history India's Singh pursues a childhood dream Sabbatini confronts Par 3 curse - Woods sits it out Augusta announces initiatives to grow the game Johnson picks surf and turf for Champions dinner Johnson leaves Grand Slam talk to 'scary' Tiger Rose seeks to blossom among the azaleas Mickelson takes two leaves out of Tiger's book Harrington feeling more relaxed at Augusta Scott aiming at first Aussie Green Jacket Ernie Els drops coach Leadbetter for Harmon Tiger insists that Grand Slam is possible Masters build up begins at a slow Augusta Rivals think Tiger may be unstoppable Zach Johnson's putter back in the spotlight Monty's manager calms Augusta invitation debate Montgomerie hits out at Masters invitation policy Three Asians receive Masters invites Stenson taking break to prepare for Masters New global strategy for Masters More changes announced for Masters Masters field will remain small 2008 Masters field taking shape 2008 PGA Tour Schedule GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Seve has a brain tumor Schwartzel wins by three Johnson wins Texas Open In-Kyung Kim wins maiden title Weibring clinches title with closing 68 GREAT GIFTS FOR GOLFERS The Pocket Golf Professional Golf Breaks to Portugal & Ireland Half Price Golf Vouchers The Father & Son Golf Ch'ship Best Value Golf Insurance

Players sets record with a "three over"

Nine-times major winner Gary Player admitted he felt some pressure on Thursday as he set a record by playing in his 51st U.S. Masters.

"Man, that's a tough golf course," the 72-year-old South African told reporters after registering a 11-over-par 83 at Augusta National.

"That is so tough. No question, the toughest golf course that I've ever played. Not even a doubt."

Player, in breaking his Masters longevity tie with Arnold Palmer, often found himself more than 70 yards behind the tee shots of partners Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain and American D.J. Trahan on a layout that has been stretched to 7,445 yards in recent years.

"Well, par for me is 80, so I was three-over par today, for me. I thought I was going to go for a lot more, though, but I played the back nine well. It's long. Every hole is a wood (to the green) for me."

Despite the stern physical test, Player said he found the experience exhilarating and could imagine returning.

"It's a thrill. It's a thrill to know now that I hold the record," he said.

"I can shoot around 80 -- if I have a good day. I still putt very well, and my short game is still very good."

Regardless of his score, Player was warmly greeted at every tee and green.

"They're unbelievable," he said of the galleries. "So full of love and kindness, it's just really appreciated."

Player stopped and hugged one female patron alongside the 18th. "That lady always says to me every year, 'Give me a hug,' so I never turn a hug down."

Click here for full leaderboard

April 10, 2008