Gary Player, Golf Legend
Posted in Golf News on May 24th, 2006Gary Player, Golf Legend is hosting a Golf Clinic to raise money for Florida’s Good Shepherd Episcopal School.
At age 70, Gary Player has a resume filled with historic golf achievements.
Nicknamed “The Black Knight” for his trademark all-black outfits, the native South African has won 163 tournaments during his 53-year professional golf career, including nine PGA Tour major championships, nine Senior major championships and five World Match Play titles.
Golf champion Gary Player conducted a golf clinic in Jupiter on May 8 to help raise money for the Good Shepherd Episcopal School. Player won 163 tournaments during his legendary career, including nine majors and nine Senior majors.
He also is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, a two-time captain of the Presidents Cup International Team and a past winner of the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award.
“To win 163 tournaments and a Grand Slam on both Tours - I get on my hands and knees every day,” Player, who in 2000 was named South Africa’s Sportsman of the Century, said of his golf career. “I never have a day I’m not on my hands and knees to say thank you.”
For the past two decades, educators around the world have been saying the same thing.
In 1983, Player created the Gary Player Foundation, a not-for-profit organization devoted to providing quality education for children worldwide.
Through tournaments, donations and various fund-raising events, the organization helps educate thousands of poor children.
“The nice thing about my work is I’m able to help a lot of underprivileged people around the world,” said Player, a part-time Jupiter Island resident who travels extensively in support of the Gary Player Foundation. “We do that in Asia, in Britain, in South Africa and America, so I’m able to really contribute to society, and that’s what makes me happy.”
So does golf, ranching, golf course design and a variety of other activities that keep Player, a grandfather of 17, on the road for about 260 days a year.
Still active on the PGA Senior Tour, Player competes in about 15 tournaments annually.
He also spends much of his time designing golf courses - his Gary Player Design has constructed more than 200 courses throughout the world, include the Floridian in Stuart - and raising thoroughbred racehorses and crops on his ranch in Johannesburg.
“That’s my great joy,” Player said of spending time in his native country. “When I’m not busy, I go there.”
It isn’t often, however, that Player finds himself with time to spare.
Since 1953, he’s traveled more than 14 million miles in pursuit of his golf, leisure and business interests.
“I’ve traveled more than anybody in the world,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed my work. I love to play golf. I love people and I love traveling, because it’s been an education that no college in the world can give you.”
Player, who was in Jupiter on May 8 to help raise money for the Good Shepherd Episcopal School, has no plans to end his education any time soon.
During the next few months, he plans to travel to China, Europe and South Africa.
Business will be a priority during most of these trips, but Player also expects to play plenty of golf.
“The appeal (of golf) is it’s a great lesson in life,” he said. “It teaches you if you don’t stay in shape, you won’t have longevity. It teaches you to be on time, because if you’re two seconds late, you’re done. It teaches you to enjoy the success of others.”