South African · Johannesburg, South Africa · Born 1 November 1935Gary Player is a South African golf legend who won 9 majors and completed the career Grand Slam by age 29.
Gary Jim Player was born on 1 November 1935 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and turned professional in 1953 at 17, developing into one of the most globally travelled golfers in the sport's history, renowned for his relentless fitness regimen and always wearing black on the course. Player became only the third player in history, after Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan, to complete the career Grand Slam of all four major championships, winning nine major titles in total across a career spanning three decades, including three Open Championships, three Masters, two PGA Championships, and a U.S. Open. Player, nicknamed "the Black Knight" and "Mr. Fitness" for his pioneering approach to physical conditioning decades before it became standard in golf, is estimated to have played more competitive rounds worldwide than any golfer in history, travelling more than 15 million miles during his career. Player was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974, and has continued to be involved in golf course design and philanthropy well into his eighties, remaining one of the most internationally significant ambassadors the sport has ever produced.
One of only 5 men to complete the career Grand Slam
How They Played
Fitness-focused power player with strong short game
Lasting Impact
One of golf's Big Three alongside Palmer and Nicklaus
Career Honours
- Open Championship 1959, 1968, 1974
- Masters 1961, 1974, 1978
- US Open 1965
- PGA Championship 1962, 1972
South African Athletes