Gary Player

Izimvo has the distinct pleasure of introducing the most successful international golfer of all time: Gary Player.

As one of the true sporting legends of our time, Gary Player has cemented his place in the record books with an incredible career of 164 victories. Spanning five decades, Gary’s achievements include winning the Grand Slam and nine Majors on both the regular and senior PGA tours, winning the World Match Play Championship a record five times and winning tournaments in 28 consecutive years.

Off the course, Gary, is renowned as a golf course architect with over 300 design projects throughout the world. His company, Blake Knight International, includes Gary Player Design, Player Real Estate, Gary Player Enterprises and The Player Foundation.

If there ever were to be a true Mr South Africa, Gary Player would be it.

Website: http://garyplayer.com
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Player

Gary was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favourite meal.

A: I like to sneak an occasional Snickers chocolate bar and drink a Coke when no one is watching.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: To spend time on my stud farm in Colesberg, in the Karoo, with my thoroughbred race horses.

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Q: Your choice of actor for Gary Player the Movie?

A: Antonio Banderas (in his early years) or John Travolta.

Golf in South Africa

Q: South Africa has some of the best golf courses in the world. Which would you select as your top 3?

A: As you have mentioned, South Africa has some of the best golf courses in the world and it would be difficult to only mention 3 so I will have to mention my top 5 which are, in no particular order of preference: Gary Player Country Club and Lost City at Sun City, The Links at Fancourt, Blair Atholl in Johannesburg and Leopard Creek in Malelane.

Q: Do you feel enough is being done for the development of the game in previously disadvantaged communities?

A: No. We need more public courses and development funds to really make a difference.

Q: If you were the selector for the Olympic golf team and were able to select players from any era, which 4 South Africans would you pick?

A: Bobby Locke, Retief Goosen, Ernie Els, and Trevor Immelman.

Q: If you were to single one moment from your illustrious career, which would it be?

A: I can not say that there was a single moment, but winning the Grand Slam on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour were my greatest personal accomplishments.

Life in South Africa

Q: What do you consider to be the greatest challenge facing South Africa today?

A: Ensuring that all our children receive a proper education.

Q: If you were able to sit down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: It is not and easy question to answer and I am not a politician. I wish him love, wisdom, patience and humility.

General

Q: If you could play a round of golf with any 3 South Africans, who would you invite and where would you play?

A: Nelson Mandela, My wife Vivienne and my brother Dr. Ian Player. We would play at the course that I designed with a few workers and some basic equipment at my farm in Colesberg. This course is a passion because I designed it to be environmentally friendly – it uses 80% less water than a traditionally designed course – and has helped me develop a sustainable design philosophy that we are now implementing in all of the courses we design around the world.

Q: What are your thoughts on having golf as an Olympic sport?

A: Fantastic! I am thrilled that golf is being included again and I believe that it will do wonders for the growth and development of the game around the world. With Brazil hosting the games I expect to see the game’s popularity grow significantly in South America and also in India and China.

Eating - Mike Anderson

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: I would make students watch a DVD called “Eating” – 3rd Edition – by Mike Anderson. I have always been an advocate for healthy living through exercise and good nutrition and this DVD is a fantastic way to help teach kids and their parents about how to eat properly.

Q: Golf Digest rated you as their 3rd greatest golfer of all time, who would you pick as your best player of all time?

Q: Ben Hogan.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: My brother, Dr. Ian Player. He dedicated his life to helping protect Africa’s natural resources, wildlife and environment and I would like more people to learn about what he was able to accomplish. He saved the White Rhino from extinction and started the Dusi Canoe Marathon. His life story is quite interesting.

We’d like to thank Gary for finding the time in his incredibly busy schedule. It has been a true honour to feature this sporting legend on Izimvo.

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