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Famous South African – Gary Player

By April 25, 2016October 23rd, 2023Newsletter

Famous South African – Gary Player

April 25, 2016

He’s been in the news again lately, and for what an amazing feat. At 80 years young, veteran golfer became the oldest golfer to hit a hole-in-one in a par three contest.

The Black Knight, as he’s affectionately known, is also the most successful international golfer of all time. But that is not the only thing which sets Player apart from the rest. Player is also recognised for his impeccable style, high values, devotion to health and fitness and contribution to the underprivileged.

10 Things you didn’t know about Gary Player

But irrespective of your awe for his golfing prowess, you may not know a lot about this stellar South African sportsman.

  1. He’s won 165 tournaments on six continents also making him one of the most traveled athletes in world history.
  2. Player is also a golf course designer and architect. He has been involved in more than 300 projects in 35 countries over five continents.
  3. He is an avid equine breeder and has produced over 2 000 top thoroughbred racehorses which have competed in the world’s top races.
  4. Gary is a devoted family man. During his career he took his wife, six children, nannies and tutors along on his worldwide travels.
  5. His Player Foundation, founded in 1983 focuses on the needs of the disadvantaged. The foundation provides education, nutrition, medical care and athletic incentives to poor communities globally and has donated over $50 million to children’s charities since its inception. He has also built several schools.
  6. The company has also been trademarked The World’s Most Traveled Athlete™, but when Player is not traveling on business or playing on the Champions Tour, he spends time on his ranch in South Africa.  The Gary Player Stud Farm has received worldwide acclaim for breeding over 2,000 top thoroughbred race horses including 1994 English Derby entry Broadway Flyer.
  7. At 77 he posed for the ESPN The Magazine’s annual Body Issue in celebration of athlete’s dedication to fitness and health.
  8. He does 1 300 situps each day as part of his fitness regime.
  9. He used to win bets by walking on his hands around billiard tables.
  10. When he’s not on tour, he spends most of his time on his ranch, where he rises at 5 O’Clock each morning and works 12 hours on his arm.

We’re proud to associate with this amazing man as fellow South African and look forward to seeing what he has to offer in years to come.