Guide Note: Gary Player is a golfer on the PGA Champions Tour, CEO of Black Knight Enterprises and a world renowned golf course architect. He’s ranked as one of the top 3 golfers of all time by Golf Digest.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, what would become a lifetime fascination with the game of golf started at age 14 when he shot par on the first three hole he ever played. He declared his professional status in 1953, at age 17.

Player came to the United States in 1957 to join the PGA Tour. The longer drives of the American style of competition forced him to adapt his game. The fact that he won 24 PGA events shows how successful he was in making the change. His first PGA win was at the 1958 Kentucky Derby Open. Player would go on to win The Masters three times as well as being in the starting field 51 times, and still counting.

The results of his lifelong health consciousness are evident, as at age 72 he still is playing competitive professionally and travels extensively in support of his various charitable and business interests Quotes

• Change is the price of survival

• A promise made is a debt incurred

• For all we take in life we must pay

• Persistence and common sense are more important than intelligence

• Everything in business is negotiable, except quality

• Accept the advice of the man who loves you, though you like it not at present

• Trust instinct to the end, though you cannot render any reason

• There is no substitute for personal contact

Fast Facts:

1. Name: Gary Player
2. Birth Date: November 1, 1935
3. Birthplace: [[Johannesburg Vacation| Johannesburg], South Africa
4. Residence: Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound, Florida
5. Club Affiliation: The Cliffs, South Carolina, USA
6. Family: Wife – Vivienne, Children – Six, Grandchildren, 19
7. Turned Professional in 1953
8. Professional Wins: Worldwide 163
9. PGA Tour Wins: 24
10. One of the original inductees in World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974
11. Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from [ St. Andrews]
12. Honorary Doctor of Science from University of Ulster, Ireland
13. Honorary Doctorate in Law, [ University of Dundee], Scotland