Gary Player dons Golf Saudi logo at Masters as he issues staunch defence of Phil Mickelson

Gary Player wore a Golf Saudi logo on his trademark black turtleneck as an honorary starter at the Masters on Thursday - and then launched a spirited defence of Phil Mickelson.

The South African joined fellow legends Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in the traditional opening ceremony at Augusta National. Player, the first non-American Masters champion in 1961, signed as an ambassador for Golf Saudi last year and also had the logo on his golf bag.

Fellow three-time champion Mickelson is not playing this year as he takes time away from golf following his comments at the Saudi-backed Super Golf League.

The reigning US PGA champion apologised for “reckless comments” where he referred to the Saudis as “scary mother*******” and “have a horrible record on human rights”. But Player, now 86, said: "I have a special thought on Phil Mickelson. I think we live in a time now when we are such a judgmental society, a litigious society, a critical society, where people get crucified. The greatest PR man on the golf Tour in the last five or X amount of years has been Phil Mickelson. He has been the ideal man for a sponsor, for professional golf, for the public, the way he's handled the public, with dignity and with love.

“And he makes a mistake, which every one of you in this room have made a damn mistake. We all have. And he said he's sorry. But even the Lord God will forgive you of your inequities if you ask for forgiveness. He said terrible things, but we all make mistakes. Hold your head up high. You've made a mistake. Everybody makes a mistake. And he should go on with his life.” Player also caused controversy at last year’s opening ceremony when his son and caddie Wayne held up a sleeve of golf balls behind special honorary