Three-time Masters champion Gary Player will reach another milestone this week.

Gary Player has won the Masters Tournament three times - in 1961, 1974 and 1978 - with his best score at 277. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

Player will compete in his 50th Masters, tying him for the most starts at Augusta National Golf Club with Arnold Palmer.

A native of South Africa, Player became the first foreign golfer to win the Masters when he took the green jacket in 1961. He added wins in 1974 and 1978.

Player's streak of 50 Masters appearances is not consecutive. He was forced to miss the 1973 tournament because of injury.

He will be honored with a key to the City of Augusta at the Mayor's Masters Reception, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Georgia Golf Hall of Fame's Botanical Gardens on Reynolds Street. Admission is free.