Gary Player: The Unstoppable Life of a Golf Legend
Gary Player famously claims no one has traveled more miles than he has, and a recent flight with the golfing icon offered a glimpse into the extraordinary life of this global superstar. At 90 years old, Player remains a force of nature, balancing competitive spirit with a relentless pursuit of life’s experiences.
A Champion’s Passion: The Thrill of the Race
From his hotel room in San Antonio, Player was glued to his laptop, intently watching the TAB Empress Club Stakes in South Africa. His prized filly, Double Grand Slam, was trailing behind, but Player remained hopeful. A phone call went unanswered as the race neared its climax. Then, a surge! Double Grand Slam began to gain ground, passing competitors one by one. With seven lanes to make up, she ran with determination, and Player’s excitement grew with each stride. When Double Grand Slam crossed the finish line victorious, Player erupted in celebration, mirroring the joy of one of his nine major championship wins.
Life in the Fast Lane: A Global Icon’s Travels
Just thirty minutes later, still giddy with excitement, Player boarded his private jet – a Bombardier Challenger 350 – bound for the Masters. He downed a green vegetable juice and immediately began responding to the flood of congratulatory messages. Player’s life is a constant journey, a testament to his desire to compete and experience the world. He boasts that no human has flown more miles than him, and while that claim is difficult to verify, it speaks to his dedication to the game and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Style, Fitness, and a Winning Mindset
Dressed impeccably in black with the Black Knight logo, Player embodies a timeless style instilled by his father. He maintains a rigorous fitness regime, even doing push-ups and sit-ups on the plane. He’s beaten his age well over 3,000 times consecutively and still shoots par. His dedication to physical and mental well-being is a cornerstone of his longevity and success.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Domination
Player’s extensive travels weren’t born of luxury, but necessity. He didn’t purchase a home in the United States until recently, requiring frequent trips from his native South Africa. He conquered courses across the globe – America, England, Japan, Australia, Brazil, France, Chile – amassing over 160 professional titles. He understood that complacency was the enemy of success and that to win, he needed to be everywhere.
The Secrets to a Long and Fulfilling Life
Player attributes his enduring vitality to a few key principles. He prioritizes sleep, aiming for at least nine hours a night. He avoids heavy meals on planes and stays hydrated. He exercises before and after flights. But perhaps most importantly, he emphasizes the power of a positive mindset. “Jack Nicklaus said traveling with me is like traveling on his own,” Player recounts. “He says, ‘Gary gets on the plane next to me and I say, Oh, this time change is so tough. I turn around and he’s sleeping the whole trip.’”
A Love Affair with Augusta National
This marks Player’s 68th appearance at the Masters, a tournament he first played in 1957. He’s won three Masters titles (1961, 1974, 1978), becoming the first International winner in ’61 and staging a remarkable comeback in ’78, shooting a final-round 64 that still stands as a course record. He holds the record for most Masters starts (52) and 15 top-10 finishes. For Player, Augusta National isn’t just a golf course; it’s an integral part of his life.
Beyond the Game: Giving Back and Inspiring Others
Player’s legacy extends beyond his golfing achievements. He and his late wife, Vivienne, established The Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation, dedicated to supporting underprivileged children. He believes in living fully and making a positive impact on the world. He’s a prolific writer, filling journals with speeches and notes, believing in the power of the pen. He doesn’t dwell on legacies, but rather focuses on making the most of each day.
Gary Player isn’t just existing; he’s truly living. He embraces every moment, from the thrill of a horse race to the serenity of flight, and inspires others to do the same.
You can reach the author at joshua.berhow@golf.com.
Golf.com Editor As GOLF.com’s managing editor, Berhow handles the day-to-day and long-term planning of one of the sport’s most-read news and service websites. He spends most of his days writing, editing, planning and wondering if he’ll ever break 80. Before joining GOLF.com in 2015, he worked at newspapers in Minnesota and Iowa. A graduate of Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minn., he resides in the Twin Cities with his wife and two kids. You can reach him at joshua_berhow@golf.com.
