Gary Player

Gary Player, born November 1, 1935, in Johannesburg, South Africa, is widely regarded as one of golf’s greatest players and a global ambassador for the sport. Nicknamed the “Black Knight,” Player won 165 professional tournaments across six continents over a career spanning seven decades. He is one of only five golfers to complete the career Grand Slam, winning all four major championships, including three British Opens and three Masters titles. Player’s notable achievements include being the youngest to complete the Grand Slam at age 29 and remaining the only golfer to win the Grand Slam on both the regular and Champions Tours.

An early proponent of fitness in golf, Player was the first to adopt weight training and physical conditioning to enhance performance and longevity. His dedication to travel and international competition earned him the title “The World’s Most Traveled Athlete™,” having circled the globe extensively throughout his career. Beyond playing, Player is a renowned golf course architect with nearly 400 designs across five continents.

Off the course, Player has made significant philanthropic contributions, including raising millions for underprivileged children’s education globally through The Player Foundation. Recognized with numerous awards—including the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement and the Presidential Medal of Freedom—Gary Player remains an enduring figure in golf as a competitor, instructor, designer, and humanitarian.