Golf with Legend Gary Player

Gary Player, born on 1 November 1935, is one of the most celebrated golfers in history. Over his remarkable career, he won more than 160 professional tournaments across six continents, including nine major championships, establishing himself among the greatest players the sport has ever seen.

His victories at The Open Championship (1959), The Masters Tournament (1961) and PGA Championship (1962) were followed by a historic triumph at the U.S. Open in 1965, making him the first non-American to complete the career Grand Slam. He became only the third golfer in history to achieve this feat, following Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan. Since then, only Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy have matched this accomplishment.

Nicknamed “The Black Knight” and “The International Ambassador of Golf,” Player is also renowned for his lifelong commitment to fitness and global promotion of the sport. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

Beyond competition, Player has designed more than 400 golf courses worldwide and authored 36 books on golf instruction, design, fitness and motivation. In 2021, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, presented by Donald Trump, recognising his contributions to sport and global influence.

The Player Foundation, founded by his son Marc Player, supports education for underprivileged communities worldwide. One of its major initiatives is the Blair Atholl Schools in Johannesburg, providing education for more than 500 students. Charity golf events organised by the foundation have raised over US$60 million for educational initiatives globally.