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GP
Golf Biography

Gary Player

“The Black Knight/Gary”

South African · Johannesburg, South Africa · Born 1 January 1935

Professional Golfer
163
pro wins
9
major wins
163
tour wins
9
major championships

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The Black Knight — one of only five players to complete the career Grand Slam.

Gary Player was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1935. He is one of only five players to complete the career Grand Slam (all four major championships). He won nine majors and 163 professional tour victories worldwide — more than any golfer in history when international tours are included. He was the most physically fit professional golfer of his era — his exercise and nutrition regime was decades ahead of the sport. He was the first international player to dominate on the American PGA Tour. He was a South African competing during the apartheid era — a position he navigated with significant controversy and criticism throughout his career.

Famous For

Completing the Career Grand Slam and global golf ambassador

Playing Style

How They Played

Fitness-focused power player with strong short game

Legacy

Lasting Impact

One of golf's Big Three alongside Palmer and Nicklaus

Best Known For

Masters 3x

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • Masters 3x
  • US Open 1x
  • The Open 3x
  • PGA Championship 2x
Career Journey

Timeline

1953 📌 Turned professional
1959 🏆 Won first Open Championship at Muirfield
1961 🏆 Won first Masters Tournament
1962 🏆 Won first PGA Championship
1965 🏆 Won U.S. Open at Bellerive
1965 🎯 Completed Career Grand Slam at age 29
1974 🏆 Won second Masters Tournament
1978 🏆 Won third Masters Tournament
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

4 common questions about Gary Player

Gary Player won 9 major championships.

Gary Player was born in 1935 in Johannesburg.

Gary Player is South African.

Gary Player played as a Professional Golfer.

Career Timeline — Gary Player
1953
Turned professional
1959
Won first Open Championship at Muirfield
1961
Won first Masters Tournament
1962
Won first PGA Championship
1965
Won U.S. Open at Bellerive
1965
Completed Career Grand Slam at age 29
1974
Won second Masters Tournament
1978
Won third Masters Tournament
Masters 3x
US Open 1x
The Open 3x
PGA Championship 2x
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Gary Player vs Walter Hagen — who is the greater Golf player?

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