Three-time Masters Champion Gary Player announced Monday that 2009 would be his final Masters tournament as an active player. He said he's leaving the list of golfing participants full of gratitude and respect for the Masters and Augusta National Golf Club.

“The love I have received here has been incredible,” Player, 73, said in a late afternoon press conference to announce his decision. “The one word that comes to mind is spectacular.”

The same could be said of the South African’s play and Masers longevity.

His 52 Masters appearances are the most in tournament history, two better than Arnold Palmer.

Player recorded victories in 1961, the first ever by an international player, along with 1974 and 1978, at the age of 42.

But more importantly for him, a lifetime of memories from his annual early April appearances at Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters Tournament.

“We all have our favorite tournaments, but no one can doubt this is the best organized tournament ever,” he said.

“I’m not going away. I will still come back to for the Champions Dinner,” he said. “I will still come back to see these great young players. I’m not getting out of golf.”

In fact, Player spent Monday morning playing with countryman and defending champion Trevor Immelman and Germany’s Martin Keymer, among others, marveling at the length they can hit he ball.

“I decided to get out before I had to hit a wood on (par-3), No. 12.” he joked.

Player, who had to make a multi-stop international flight the first time he ever played in the Masters, said he would be open to joining four-time Masters Champion Palmer as an honorary starter, as early as 2010.

“I never expect anything. It is totally up to the Club, but yes, I would accept. In fact, I would exercise more to make sure I would outdrive Arnold on the first tee,” he said to a room full of laughter.

Player is the only international player in golf to achieve the career Grand Slam, with one U.S. Open Title, two PGA Championships, three British Opens to go along with his three Masters wins.

“Last year, I was just standing on the first tee thinking, most of my friends at age 72 are dead and I’m still playing in the Masters,” he said.

When he comes up the 18th fairway for the final time this week, Player admits he expects to be overcome with a mixture of emotion and good memories.

“I think I will cry. It will be a cry of appreciation and enjoyment.”

He received a standing ovation from the media members present for his announcement, thanking him for a lifetime of golfing memories and Masters moments.

Read the transcript from Gary Players Press Conference.