Golf legend Gary Player shares his most cherished Masters memories

To borrow a phrase associated with the Masters from the great Jim Nantz, it's become a tradition unlike any other to begin the annual Golfweek Masters Survey by sharing the full Gary Player experience in a Q&A format. It’s that time of year again when the azaleas bloom and Player, who slipped on the Green Jacket three times — in 1961, 1974 and 1978 — and holds the record for the most career appearances at the Masters with 52, answers a fresh, new round of questions. It's always a treat to hear his responses on all things Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters.

Then over the next three weeks leading up to the Masters we'll hear from other past Green Jacket champions, all-time greats and contenders for the Green Jacket. We had questions – everything from recalling their first visit to Augusta National, nemesis holes, favorite Masters traditions, praying at Augusta National and who is destined to slip into a green jacket someday – and they had answers. Boy, do they ever!

Let's get to it with the Black Knight and let our annual tradition unlike any other begin. When did you first step foot on Augusta National and what is your lasting memory of that day? My first visit was in 1957, when I was invited by Clifford Roberts, after my father wrote to him.

It was a tremendous thrill. I was only a 21-year-old kid who was dropped off at the top of Magnolia Lane and took it all in as I walked down to the clubhouse. Augusta National has been an integral part of my life ever since.