Gary Player

Born on November 1, 1935, in Johannesburg, Union of South Africa, Gary Player turned professional at the age of 17. He would go on to have a decorated career, winning nine major championships on the regular tour and an additional nine major championships on the Champions Tour. In 1965, at the age of 29, Player achieved the career Grand Slam by winning the U.S. Open, becoming the first non-American to do so. This accomplishment made him the third golfer in history to complete the Career Grand Slam, following Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen. His extensive career spans over seven decades, during which he secured over 160 professional tournament wins across six continents.

Beyond his achievements as a player, Gary Player is also an accomplished golf course architect, with more than 400 design projects located on five continents. He has authored or co-written 36 books covering various topics such as golf instruction, design, philosophy, motivation, and fitness. In 1974, Player was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. His significant contributions to the sport and his global influence earned him recognition in 2000, when he was voted “Sportsman of the Century” in South Africa, and in 2003, with the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award.

Player’s dedication extends to philanthropy through The Player Foundation, established by his eldest son, Marc Player. This foundation focuses on promoting underprivileged education worldwide. Notable initiatives include the Blair Atholl Schools in Johannesburg, South Africa, which provides educational facilities for over 500 students from kindergarten through eighth grade. By 2013, the foundation had raised over US$60 million through various charity golf events globally, demonstrating a commitment to making a tangible difference in communities and for individuals.