Muirfield remains special to Player

GULLANE, Scotland – Gary Player is as eager to share his thoughts about golf.

Player has over the years voiced his opinion on everything in golf from the way the ball travels to the possible use of drugs in the sport.

He returned to Muirfield on Tuesday not to talk about problems in the game, but to reminisce about winning his first Open here in 1959.

“I came here as a young man with no money and to win this great championship and have your name on that trophy meant so much to me,” Player said. “Then when I came through those gates this morning and I looked up the 18th fairway here at Muirfield and just said a little prayer of thanks and gratitude that I could have the career I have been loaned.”

Player said he meant loaned for a reason. He said golf is such a fickle game that nothing is permanent.

No exceptions, Tiger

Not even Tiger Woods can get special treatment at Muirfield.

Woods wanted to get out early Monday for a practice round on the links course, only to be told that tee times didn’t begin until 7 a.m. No exceptions, even for the most famous player in the game.

Woods said he was told that the grounds crew would be starting its morning rounds on the first hole to get them used to the routine for the tournament, and that the course would not be ready until 7 a.m.

“I totally understand it,” Woods said.

Snedeker focused

Brandt Snedeker had a close-up look in the last year at what it takes to play well in a major championship. He believes he has learned a few secrets along the way.

“The hardest thing to do in a major championship is be patient for 72 holes and never push the panic button,” Snedeker said.

Snedeker won the FedExCup last year on the PGA Tour and believes he is ready to win a major championship.