Gary Player, a retired professional golfer from South Africa, is widely regarded as one of history’s best players. Over the course of his five-decade career, he has won nine major championships. In addition to his golf accomplishments, Player has established himself as a notable businessman and philanthropist. In this article, we will take a closer look at Gary Player Net Worth, early years, career, personal life, awards, and achievements.

Gary Player Net Worth

Nickname:	The Black Knight
Real Name:	Gary Jim Player
Net Worth:	$250 million
Birthplace:	Johannesburg, South Africa
Weight:	68 kg
Sexual Orientation:	Straight
Marital Status:	Married
Spouse:	Vivienne Verwey (Deceased)
Children:	Marc, Wayne, Jennifer, Michele, Theresa, Amanda Player
Girlfriend:	None
Date of Birth:	November 1, 1935
Gender:	Male
Height:	1.68 m
Profession:	Former Golfer, Businessman
Nationality:	South African
Source of Wealth:	Golf, Business
Education:	King Edward VII School, Johannesburg
Father:	Harry Player
Mother:	Muriel Player
Brother:	Ian Player
Sister:	N/A

Early years

Gary Jim Player was born November 1, 1935, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was the youngest of three children, and his mother, muriel died of cancer when he was eight years. The player’s father, Harry, worked in the gold mines. By the age of 14, Player had won his first competition and had already decided to become a professional golfer. He went from amateur to professional golfer in three years.

Career

Player turned professional in 1953 and rapidly established himself as a formidable force on the golf course. He won his first major title, the British Open, in 1959, and went on to win nine major championships throughout his career. Player was also a steady performer on the PGA Tour, winning 24 events. He won nine major championships on the normal tour and another nine on the Champions Tour. His triumphs rank him among golf’s best.

Player, along with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, comprised the renowned “Big Three” from the 1950s to the 1970s. Their competitiveness and companionship helped golf reach new heights.
Player has won the most South African Opens and Australian Opens of any professional golfer, with 13 and 7, respectively. He also held the record for most World Match Play Championship victories until 2004.

His British Open wins spanned three decades, making him the first professional golfer to accomplish this distinction. His first British Open triumph occurred in 1959. In 1974, Player accomplished the remarkable achievement of winning two major titles in the same season. At age 48, he became the oldest golfer to win a major title (the PGA title in 1984).

Player is also a prominent businessman. He has constructed golf courses all over the world and has been involved with several humanitarian organizations. Player has also been an outspoken environmentalist, and he has garnered multiple awards for his efforts in this regard.

Personal Life

Gary Player has been married to his wife, Vivienne, since 1957, and the couple has six children together. His wife Vivienne died of cancer in 2021.

Player is known for his commitment to physical fitness, and he has continued to exercise regularly well into his 80s. He is also a devout Christian and has spoken publicly about the role that his faith has played in his life.

Awards and Achievements

Gary Player has garnered numerous awards for his contributions to the game of golf and society as a whole. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974 and has received honorary degrees from a number of universities. Player has also received the Order of Merit, the highest accolade bestowed to a South African citizen.

In 2000, Player was hailed as the “Sportsman of the Century” in South Africa, and his outstanding achievements to the sport were acknowledged around the world. His unfailing sportsmanship earned him the renowned Bob Jones Award from the United States Golf Association in 1966, cementing his image as a golfing role model. The highlight of his career was his admittance into the prestigious World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974, which recognized his outstanding achievements on the course.

Even in retirement, Player’s influence was evident. Golf Digest magazine named him one of the best golfers of all time in 2000, and he continues to win honors for his long-term impact on the game. His enduring enthusiasm to golf was shown by his record-breaking 52 visits at the Masters competition in 2009, which demonstrated his unwavering passion and commitment to the game.

Despite the passage of time, Player’s enthusiasm for golf never wavered. He competed in the Senior British Open Championship at the age of 73, demonstrating his persistent skill and enthusiasm for the sport, encouraging future generations of golfers. In 2012, Player’s esteemed reputation in the golfing world was further cemented when he was invited to join fellow luminaries Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as an honorary starter at the Masters Tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gary Player

1. Who is Gary Player?

Gary is a retired South African professional golfer who is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time.

2. When was Gary Player born?

Gary was born on November 1, 1935.

3. Where was Gary Player born?

Gary was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.

4. How many major championships did Gary Player win?

Gary won nine major championships during his career.

5. What is Gary Player’s nickname?

Gary’s nickname is “The Black Knight.”

6. What is Gary Player’s signature shot?

“The bunker shot.”

7. How many professional tournaments did Gary Player win?

Player triumphed in 159 professional tournaments across 15 countries, including nine major championships on the regular tour and six on the Champions Tour.

8. How many holes-in-one has Gary Player made?

Gary has made 5 holes-in-one in his career.

9. What is Gary Player’s net worth?

Gary Player’s net worth is around $250 million.

10. How many children does Gary Player have?

Gary has six children.

11. What is the Gary Player Invitational?

The Gary Player Invitational is a global charity fundraiser and an annual charity golf tournament hosted by Gary Player to raise funds for various charitable organizations.

12. What is the Gary Player Country Club?

A golf course located in Sun City, South Africa, designed by Gary.

13. What is the Gary Player Golf Course?

A golf course located in Soweto, South Africa, also designed by Gary.

14. What is the Gary Player Golf Academy?

A golf academy dedicated to improving golfers’ skills and knowledge.

15. How did Player overcome a slump in his career?

He recommends visualizing a player whose swing is rhythmic and beautiful. This mental approach helped him recover from a slump in 1973.

Conclusion

Gary Player is a true legend of the sport of golf, and his contributions to the game and to society as a whole are nothing short of remarkable. He has also secured his legacy as one of the greatest golfers of all time. In the words of Gary Player himself: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”