Gary Player

Gary Player is a South African professional golfer, born on November 1, 1935, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time. Player turned professional in 1953 and has won numerous titles, including nine Major Championships and nine Senior Major Championships.

Player is known for his exceptional skill, versatility, and longevity in the game. He has received multiple awards and holds several records, including being one of only five golfers to achieve a career Grand Slam.

Off the green, Player is also recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Born and raised in Johannesburg, Player turned professional in 1953 and won his first professional tournament in 1955.

PGA Tour

• Player joined the PGA Tour in 1957. During his career, he won 24 PGA Tour events, including nine Major Championships. His first Major win came in 1959 at the Open Championship.

Senior PGA Tour

• Player joined the Senior PGA Tour (now known as the Champions Tour) in 1985 and won 22 tournaments, including nine Senior Major Championships.

International Career

• Player has won 118 international tournaments, including the South African Open 13 times and the Australian Open seven times.

South Africa

• Player represented South Africa in the World Cup of Golf on numerous occasions, winning the tournament in 1965 and 1977.

Achievements:

• Career Grand Slam: Player completed the career Grand Slam in 1965, becoming the third golfer to achieve this feat.
• Senior Career Grand Slam: Player completed the Senior Career Grand Slam in 1988, becoming the only golfer to achieve this feat.

• Position: Player was known for his exceptional shot-making, fitness, and strategic approach to the game.
• Skills: Player is celebrated for his ability to perform under pressure, his exceptional bunker play, and his versatility.

• Family: Player has six children with his wife, Vivienne Verwey. He is also a grandfather and great-grandfather.
• Philanthropy: Player is involved in various charitable activities and has donated significant sums to children's education, underprivileged communities, and animal welfare.

• Gary Player is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his commitment to fitness, longevity in the game, and his impact on golf globally. His influence extends beyond the golf course, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

World Golf Hall of Fame:

• Inducted in 1974

Career Grand Slam:

• One of only five golfers to achieve this feat

Senior Career Grand Slam:

• The only golfer to achieve this feat

International Tournament Wins:

• Over 118 wins

Books

• Player, G. (1962) Grand Slam Golf. New York: Simon & Schuster.
• Player, G. (2000) Don't Choke: A Champion's Guide to Winning Under Pressure. New York: Skyhorse Publishing.

Websites

• PGA Tour: Information about Gary Player’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.pgatour.com
• World Golf Hall of Fame: Details about Player’s career and impact on the game. Available at: https://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org
• Gary Player Official Website: Comprehensive information on Player’s career, philanthropy, and business ventures. Available at: https://garyplayer.com

Articles

• Golf Digest: Gary Player: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/gary-player
• The Guardian: Gary Player’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/garyplayer

Interviews and Documentaries

• The Black Knight (2009): Directed by Norman Hull. This documentary provides a detailed look at Player’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• Golf Channel Interviews: Various interviews and features on Gary Player, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.golfchannel.com