Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of golf – a prized South African ambassador who needs no introduction. Born 1 November 1935, in Johannesburg, he’s logged in excess of 25 million kilometers (15 million miles) in travel – more than any other athlete. In his career, Player won an impressive nine major championships on the regular tour, six Champions Tour major victories and three Senior British Open Championships on the European Senior Tour.

At age 29 he won the 1965 U.S. Open and became the only non-American to win all four majors – the career Grand Slam. He conquered 165 tournaments on six continents in six decades and was inducted into the World Golf Hall on Fame in 1974.

In addition to many commercial interests he operates The Player Foundation, whose primary objective is promoting the educating of the world’s under privileged. The Player Foundation established the Blair Atholl Schools in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1983 boasting educational facilities for 500+ students from kindergarten through eighth grade. In 2008 The Foundation celebrated its 25th Anniversary with charity golf events in London, Palm Beach, Shanghai and Cape Town, bringing total funds raised to more than US $50 million.

In 2013 the Gary Player Invitational charity series will be staged in Augusta, London, Shanghai, George (South Africa) and the Gary Player Country Club, Sun City, South Africa.