Gary Player

Gary Jim Player was born on November 1, 1935, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Overcoming childhood hardship following his mother's death, Player turned professional in 1953, dedicating himself to rigorous physical conditioning, discipline, and golf perfection decades before fitness became standard in the sport.

Along with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, he formed golf's immortal 'Big Three'. In 1965 at age 29, Player won the U.S. Open, joining Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan as the only golfers to complete the modern Career Grand Slam (winning The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship).

He captured 9 Major championships on the regular PGA Tour and 9 Senior Majors, winning titles across seven decades in over 30 countries. Player is also a world-renowned golf course architect and philanthropist through The Player Foundation.