A nine-time major champion, Player earned the nickname “The Black Knight” thanks to his dashing looks and outfit choices on the course.
Born on Nov. 1, 1935, and with more than 150 worldwide career wins to his name, Player has been much more than just a champion golfer. He has dedicated his life to growing the game throughout his native South Africa and the world.
Player became just the fourth golfer to earn a career grand slam with his win at the 1965 U.S. Open at Bellerive. From there, he would go on to five more majors. As a senior, Player would tack on nine more major championships.
Following his playing career, Player continued his work as a global ambassador for the game. Sharing stories, swing tips and even showing off his fitness prowess, Player has been an endearing figure within the game throughout eight decades.
From helping underprivileged children across the globe to having a hand in designing over 400 golf courses, Player has made an impact well past his wins on Tour.
Holding up his trophy, Gary Player (center), winner of the British Open Golf Championship, smiles here, July 3rd. Player, 23, comes from South Africa. His winning score was 68.
Gary Player of South Africa kisses the trophy he received winning the British Open Golf Championship.
South African professional golfer Gary Player stands with arms akimbo as he examines the course of the first hole at the US Open golf tournament, Bellerive Country Club, St. Louis, Missouri, June 1965.
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 1965: Arnold Palmer, left, talks with Gary Player, center, and Jimmy Demaret on the Par 3 Course during the 1965 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April 1965 in Augusta, Georgia.
4/9/1975- Augusta, GA-: South African golfer Gary Player in action at the Augusta Golf Tournament.
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 1980: Gary Player lines up his putt during the 1980 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April 1980 in Augusta, Georgia.
Golf: 53rd PGA Championship: Gary Player in action during Thursday play at PGA National GC. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 2/25/1971
Gary Player 1991 Vantage Championship
Gary Player 1995 Vantage Championship
Augusta, GA.: Defending champion Tom Watson (L), helps 1978 Masters winner Gary Player with the traditional green jacket.
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 1985: Gary Player looks over the course with his caddie during the 1985 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April 14th, 1985 in Augusta, Georgia.
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 1990: Golfer Gary Player swings and watches the flight of his ball during the Masters in April 1990 at Augusta National, in Augusta, Georgia.
UNITED STATES – OCTOBER 23: Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus during the 51st Senior PGA Championship held at the PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. April 12-15, 1990.
ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – JULY 11: Gary Player of South Africa interacts with the crowd on the 18th during the Celebration of Champions Challenge during a practice round prior to The 150th Open at St Andrews Old Course on July 11, 2022 in St Andrews, Scotland.
GEORGE, SOUTH AFRICA – NOVEMBER 23: Gary Player, Captain of The International team and Jack Nicklaus, Captain of the USA team after they agree to share The Presidents Cup between USA and The Internatioanl team on the November 23, 2003 at The Links Fancourt Golf Course, George, South Africa.
Gary Player of South Africa holds the Claret Jug as Champion golfer after winning the 1997 Senior Open Championship golf tournament on 27th July 1997 at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, County Antrim,Northern Ireland.
AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 07: Honorary starter Gary Player of South Africa plays his shot on the first tee during an opening ceremony for the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2022, in Augusta, Georgia.
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS – APRIL 30: Gary Player of South Africa competes on the 10th hole during the Greats of Golf competition at the Insperity Invitational at The Woodlands Golf Club on April 30, 2022 in The Woodlands, Texas.
UNITED STATES – SEPTEMBER 23: Jack Nicklaus, Captain of the U.S. team and Gary Player, Captain of the International team during the second round of The Presidents Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Prince William County, Virginia on September 23, 2005.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 16: Gary Player of South Africa waves to the crowd on the 18th hole during the pro-am prior to the PNC Championship at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on December 16, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.
Jack Nicklaus poses for a photograph alongside Tom Watson and Gary Player before the first round of the Masters Tournament after the 2024 ceremonial tee shot. (Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
