Gary Player

Hailed as one of the greatest ever golfers, Gary Player is a formidable figure in the sports world. With more records and wins than any other player, Gary, also known as ‘The Black Knight’, has enjoyed over sixty years as an elite name on the course, and firmly solidified his place as a world-renowned golfing legend. Hear from the man himself as Gary is highly in demand as an after dinner speaker, able to share insider anecdotes from the green of some of the most historic moments in golf.

With a total of 167 professional wins, it’s easy to see how Gary Player is named as one of the top golfers of all time. After making his debut aged only 17, it was clear that Gary was destined for an impressive career.  Competing over seven decades and six continents, Gary is the third person to achieve the elusive Grand Slam when he came first in all four Major Championships in 1965. Other phenomenal achievements for Gary include: 9 Major Championship wins on the PGA and Senior Tours, 63 South African wins and 31 holes in one.

As a living legend, Gary Player has been honoured for his incomparable golfing career. In 1974 he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, and later in 2012 he was awarded the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement trophy, solidifying his continued legacy in the game. Showing exemplary sportsmanship throughout his career, Gary gained a reputation as a gentleman both on and off the course, and this quality was recognised with the Bob Jones Award from the United States Golf Association, as well as being voted the ‘Sportsman of the Century’ for South Africa. Continuing his commitment to the sport, Gary has turned his hand to golf design. Heading up over 400 projects across the world, his knowledge gained on the course has helped him become an award-winning designer, and led him to found three brands: Gary Player Design, Player Design and Black Knight Design, to showcase his variety of skills.

Additionally, he has been dedicated to improving the quality of life and education for underprivileged children, with The Player Foundation. Since its establishment in 1983, it has raised over $63 million. As an after dinner speaker, Gary Player entertains the audience with anecdotes from the course, his journey to becoming one of the greatest ever golfers and his essential work improving underprivileged lives. A legend of the sport, Gary Player is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and be the highlight of your event.