Gary Player is a South African retired professional golfer widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of golf. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
Beyond his playing career, Player is an accomplished golf course architect and philanthropist, having designed over 400 courses worldwide.
You can follow Gary Player’s biography, personal details, career overview, wife, net worth, prize money, earnings, endorsements, career stats, achievements, and more here.
Gary Player’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Gary James Player |
| Nickname | The Black Knight, Mr. Fitness |
| Birth Date | November 1, 1935 |
| Birthplace | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Turned Professional | 1953 |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Vivienne Player |
| @gary.player |
Gary James Player was born on November 1, 1935, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was the youngest of Harry and Muriel Player’s 3 children. His mother passed away when he was only 8 years old.
Despite this hardship, Player found solace and purpose in golf, turning professional at the young age of 17 in 1953.
Career Overview
Gary Player turned professional in 1953 at the young age of 17. Player joined the PGA Tour in 1957 and won his first PGA Tour event, the Kentucky Derby Open, in 1958.
Throughout his career, Player amassed an impressive 165 professional tournament wins worldwide, including 24 on the PGA Tour.
His most notable achievements include winning 9 major championships on the regular tour: 3 Masters titles (1961, 1974, 1978), 3 Open Championships (1959, 1968, 1974), 2 PGA Championships (1962, 1972), and 1 U.S. Open (1965).
At the age of 29, Player completed the career Grand Slam, becoming the 3 golfer in history to achieve this feat and the only non-American to do so at the time.
He continued his winning ways on the Senior PGA Tour (now Champions Tour), claiming another 9 major championships. His international record is unparalleled, with victories on 6 continents over 7 decades.
In addition to his tournament victories, Player received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974 and received the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, becoming the first international recipient of this honor.
Wife
Gary Player was married to Vivienne Verwey on January 19, 1957. Together, they had 6 children: Jennifer, Marc, Wayne, Michele, Theresa, and Amanda. The family grew further with the addition of 22 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
She passed away in August 2021 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving a profound impact on Player and their family. Their son Marc Player has taken on a prominent role in managing Gary Player’s business affairs through The Player Group.
Gary Player’s Net Worth Details
Gary Player’s net worth is estimated to be $250 million as of 2025. Gary Player’s successful career in golf, course design, and various business ventures has undoubtedly led to substantial wealth.
Prize Money
| Year | Tournament | Earnings |
| 1961 | Masters Tournament | $20,000 |
| 1962 | PGA Championship | $13,000 |
| 1965 | U.S. Open | $26,000 |
| 1974 | The Open Championship | £5,500 |
| 1981 | Million Dollar Challenge | $500,000 |
| 1987 | PGA Grand Slam of Golf | $12,000 (shared) |
Endorsements
Gary Player has had a long and successful career not only as a golfer but also as a businessman and brand ambassador.
His endorsements include:
- Callaway Golf
- Black Knight International
- Gary Player Design
- Player Real Estate
- The Player Foundation
- Various Apparel Brands
- Wine and Spirits
Career Stats
| Statistic | Number |
| PGA Tour Wins | 24 |
| European Tour Wins | 19 |
| Major Championships | 9 |
| Champions Tour Wins | 22 |
| Total Professional Wins | 165 |
Achievements
- Won the Career Grand Slam at age 29
- Only non-American to win all four majors
- Won nine major championships on the regular tour
- Won nine major championships on the Champions Tour
- Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974
FAQs
1. Who is Gary Player?
Gary Player is a retired South African professional golfer, widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time. He won nine major championships on the regular tour and nine senior majors, achieving the career Grand Slam at age 29 in 1965. He has over 160 professional tournament wins globally.
2. What are Gary Player’s major achievements in golf?
Gary Player is one of only five golfers to achieve the career Grand Slam, winning all four majors: The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship. He also won tournaments in 27 consecutive years and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
3. What is Gary Player’s net worth?
Gary Player’s net worth is estimated at $250 million. His wealth comes from his golfing career, endorsements with brands like Rolex and Coca-Cola, golf course design projects, and international tournament wins.
4. What philanthropic work has Gary Player done?
Gary Player founded The Player Foundation in 1983 to promote education for underprivileged children. The foundation built Blair Atholl Schools in Johannesburg, providing education to over 500 students. It has raised over $60 million through charity golf events worldwide.
5. How many golf courses has Gary Player designed?
Gary Player is a renowned golf course architect with over 400 design projects across five continents. Many of his courses are ranked among the Top 100 Golf Courses globally.
6. What is Gary Player’s connection to the Masters Tournament?
Gary Player won the Masters three times (1961, 1974, 1978) and is the oldest living Masters champion at age 89. He holds cherished memories of encounters with Bobby Jones and President Eisenhower at Augusta National.
7. How did Gary Player contribute to South Africa during apartheid?
Gary Player worked to improve racial conditions in South Africa during apartheid by promoting education and supporting underprivileged communities through his foundation. He also advocated for unity and environmental conservation.
8. What are some of Gary Player’s nicknames?
Gary Player is known as “The Black Knight,” “Mr. Fitness,” and “The International Ambassador of Golf,” reflecting his global influence, athleticism, and dedication to promoting golf worldwide.
9. How many miles has Gary Player traveled during his career?
Gary Player is considered one of the most well-traveled athletes in history, having flown more than 15 million miles globally to participate in tournaments and promote golf.
10. What was Gary Player’s most memorable victory?
One of Gary Player’s most memorable victories was the 1978 Masters Tournament, where he overcame a seven-stroke deficit in the final round with a score of 64 to win by one shot, showcasing his exceptional skill under pressure.
