We start this new series with one of the most decorated individuals the game has ever seen, Gary Player. A man who over five decades has won 165 times world-wide, notably including nine Major Championships and three Senior Open Championships. He is one of only five men to have won golf’s Grand Slam.
Tips & Tuition
If you had one tip to give a 20 handicap golfer, what would it be?
“Keep your head still when you putt. Listen to the ball drop into the hole. You will drop several shots off your handicap immediately.”
What’s the best advice you’ve been given by anyone on tour, and by whom?
“When I first turned professional and sought advice from other players, they mostly told me my swing was too flat. It was discouraging. But Ben Hogan - my golf idol - said to me, “Son, your swing can never be too flat.” This was a very important event in my life because I realized success would come from hard work and not the critique of others.”
What’s your last thought before you hit a driver?
“Rotate! Rotate! Rotate!”
Favourites
Favourite course and why?
"The Old Course at St Andrew because it is the Home of Golf.”
Favourite hole and why?
“That’s tough. I love No. 11 at Augusta, No. 17 at St. Andrews and No. 9 at the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City.”
Favourite club in the bag?
“None. I have a special weighted club that helps me stretch (both ways) each time before I play or hit on the range. Everyone tells me they have never seen anything as effective!”
What is your favourite Ryder Cup moment?
“Well, I am always a spectator being from South Africa, but my favourite part is the celebration at the conclusion of the match, no matter which team wins. Golf usually is an individual sport, so celebrating with teammates after a competition is special.”
What has been your favourite tournament to compete in over your career?
“The Open Championship when on tour. It is the epitome of all golf tournaments. And since my playing days, the Gary Player Invitational global tournaments have become so special because we raise money for underprivileged children around the world.”
Who would make up your dream fourball?
“Lee Kuan Yew, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela”
Personal Highlights
If you had to pick the greatest shot from your career, when and where would it have been?
“In the 1972 PGA Championship at Oakland Hills, I hit my ball into heavy rough behind some tall trees that blocked my view of the green. It was a blind shot, but I decided to go for it and hit my nine-iron iron within three feet to set up a birdie putt that gave me a two-shot lead heading into the final two holes.”
When was your first hole-in-one (as a pro or amateur)?
“My first hole-in-one was as an amateur at Virginia Park GC near Johannesburg in 1950. I had only been playing golf for a few years. It was on the 15th hole, I’ll never forget that moment! I’ve had 27 as a professional in tournaments.”
What and where was your first professional pay cheque?
“I believe it was the Santa Tournament at The Wanderers Golf Club. I finished second to Bobby Locke and won £200. That was in 1953, my first year as a pro.”
Memories from the Tour
Most unusual thing that has ever happened to you on the golf course?
“I saw a naked woman streak down the fairway! Not something you expect to see during a golf tournament…”
What is the weirdest experience you’ve ever had with a fan?
“The streaking fan probably was the weirdest moment too.”
Can you describe the greatest round you’ve ever personally witnessed?
“At the 1978 Masters, I was down by seven shots heading into the final round. I was 42-years-old and not expected to contend for anymore Major Championships. Most thought I was passed my prime. But I was in such good shape and I knew if I played my best golf, I had a chance to win my third Masters. And I ended up beating three guys by one shot. It probably was the best round of my career.”
What’s the most nervous you’ve ever felt on the golf course?
“Definitely at my first Open Championship in St Andrews. I stepped up to the first tee and was a bit overwhelmed that I was playing at the Old Course. Keep in mind I had slept on the beach the night before. Even though the fairway is incredibly wide, I nearly hit the ball out-of-bounds. I never forget hearing the starter ask, “What is your handicap, son?” I responded, “I’m a pro, sir.” He said, “Well you must be a hell of a chipper and putter.”
I returned to St. Andrews after I won The Open in 1959. That same starter was there and said, “YOU won The Open?! It’s a bloody miracle!””
The State of the Game
If you could change one rule of golf, what would it be?
“The R&A and USGA need to come together and require that all equipment companies cut their ball back 50 yards for professionals. It will help save so many resources and money being spent on lengthening golf courses worldwide and make records more meaningful.”
What has been golf’s best technological improvement?
“Everything. From the clubs to course maintenance, it’s night and day from the days of Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen. There are no spike marks on the greens. Bunkers are raked perfectly. And the clubs! If we played with the equipment we have today, no doubt we would post similar incredible scores.”
Can you suggest one idea to combat slow play?
“Stop lengthening courses. Yes, updates are necessary, but owners can redesign their course to make it more challenging without adding 1000 yards. No one wants to play a six-hour round. And disqualify those that cannot play to the rules.”
What We Didn’t Know
Do you have any superstitions? – tell us about them.
“No superstitions for me. I don’t believe in them.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
“I consider myself a decent gardener, planting trees especially. My wife says I have green fingers! And I can identify many birds by their calls and sing back. They answer me, too!”
Do you have any other famous family members, sporting, long-lost or otherwise?
“My brother, the late Dr. Ian Player, is a world renowned conservationist credited with saving the white rhino from extinction. He passed away in 2014, but his legacy and what he accomplished will live forever.”
If you weren’t a professional golfer, what would you be doing?
“I am a farmer at heart, and love to work and get my hands dirty. My horses and my farm are my passions now. I could easily live out my days in the Great Karoo of South Africa, but I also love to get out and help people which is why I still travel eight months out of the year.”
Away from the Fairways
Outside of golf, who’s your sporting hero?
“I have been fortunate to meet incredible athletes from all over the world. From the younger generation, I am so impressed with and a big fan of Novak Djokovic. He came from a very poor background, like myself, but over came so much adversity to become the best in the world. No doubt that demands respect.”
Give us your best travel tip.
“Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Simple to do and it helps so much!”
What was the first album you bought?
“It was Elvis Pressley, and it’s still my all-time favourite.”
What’s your favourite type of food?
“Grass-fed organic meat, lots of greens and vegetables, fruits and nuts. I stay away from sugar and all junk food. But will occasionally treat myself to a glass of red wine.”
What’s your favourite film?
“I have a few. Lonesome Dove, Dr. Zhivago and Dances with Wolves.”
What was your first car?
“My first car was a green Austin A40 that I bought at age 18! Too often I let it run out of petrol, much to my dad's displeasure.”
