Gary Player set a Masters record with his 51st appearance and even after an 83 he suggested he plans to return next year.

The 72-year-old South African three-time former champion moved ahead of American Arnold Palmer on the all-time list of Augusta appearances.

"If I can shoot around 80 - if I have a good day, I still putt very well, and my short game is still very good," he said.

"But really I have been playing very nicely, and I played very poorly today except the back nine. The front nine I just played horrible, and I have been playing very well. I mean, yesterday I played extremely well. I shot this side in even par yesterday. But there's a little bit of pressure on me today, a little bit of pressure."

But he added: "Man, that's a tough golf course. No question, the toughest golf course that I've ever played. Not even a doubt. Par for me is 80, so I was three over. Every hole is a wood for me.

"It's a thrill to know now that I hold the record. Of course all records are made to be broken, aren't they? Somebody will come along and break 51 one day, I guess."

Player was also keen to praise the Augusta galleries. "They're unbelievable," he said. "So full of love and kindness, it's just really appreciated."

Player could lose a record this week, though. If Fred Couples makes the cut he will break the South African's mark of 23 consecutive.

"Of course all records are made to be broken, aren't they? Fred Couples, if he makes the cut this week, I'll be the first to go and shake his hand and tell him, 'Well done.'"