Born in 1935 in Johannesburg, the youngest of three children, Player did not swing a golf club until the age of fourteen and two years later declared that he would become the best golfer in the world, he turned professional just a year later aged 17.
In 1957 Gary married wife Vivienne Verwey, professional golfer Bobby Verwey's sister, just four years after turning professional. During his early playing career he would travel from tournament to tournament with Vivienne, his six children and their nanny in tow.
During his career he became known as one of "The Big 3", Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus being the other two and went on to become one of the most successful golfers in history with 167 professional wins, 9 Majors and 9 Senior Tour Majors. He is the only player in history to complete the career Grand slam on both Tours.
Player competed regularly on the PGA Tour, he led the Tour money list in 1961, and went on to accumulate 24 career Tour titles. As well as playing in the U.S. he also played an exceptionally busy schedule all over the world, and he has been called the world's most traveled athlete.
In 2009, Played made his last competitive appearance at the Masters, where he was playing for a record 52nd time but returned in 2011 to join Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as an honorary starter.
Gary Player Design have been involved in over 400 projects in 36 countries spanning five continents with their three different design brands, Gary Player Design, Player Design, and Black Knight Design.
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