Who Is Gary Player? Age, Biography and Wiki
Gary Player, born on November 1, 1935, is a celebrated South African professional golfer. As of 2025, he is 89 years old. Widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, Player has left an indelible mark on the sport with his impressive achievements, including three Masters wins and nine major championships overall. Beyond golf, he is known for his vibrant personality and his contributions to charity and health and fitness advocacy.
| Occupation | Architects |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 1, 1935 |
| Age | 89 Years |
| Birth Place | Johannesburg, Union of South Africa |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | South Africa |
Popularity
Gary Player's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At the height of his career, Gary Player was an athletic figure in the golfing world. He stands tall at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighed around 160 pounds (73 kg) during his prime. Player maintains an active lifestyle even at 89, focusing on fitness, which has been a crucial part of his personal brand.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gary Player was married to his late wife, Vivienne, for over 60 years until her passing in 2021. The couple had six children together, solidifying their family legacy. As of 2025, Player is single, having publicly expressed his commitment to honor the memory of his late wife while focusing on his children and grandchildren.
When he was eight years old his mother died from cancer. Although his father was often away from home working in the gold mines, he did manage to take a loan in order to buy a set of clubs for Gary to begin playing golf. The Virginia Park golf course in Johannesburg is where Player first gained his love for golf.
At the age of 14, Player played his first round of golf and parred the first three holes. At age 16, he announced that he would become number one in the world. At age 17, he became a professional golfer.
Net Worth and Salary
As a leading figure in the world of golf and a successful businessman, Gary Player's net worth is estimated to be around $250 million in 2025. His income comes from various sources, including prize money from tournaments, endorsements with major brands, his golf design company, and speaking engagements. Player has also capitalized on his fame through golf-related merchandise.
In 1966, Player espoused support for the apartheid policies of Hendrik Verwoerd in his book Grand Slam Golf, stating: "I must say now, and clearly, that I am of the South Africa of Verwoerd and apartheid... a nation which... is the product of its instinct and ability to maintain civilised values and standards amongst the alien barbarians.
The African may well believe in witchcraft and primitive magic, practise ritual murder and polygamy; his wealth is in cattle". Activists publicly demonstrated against Player's espousal of apartheid, including protesting against Player at the 1969 PGA Championship. Australian activists also strongly protested against Player.
In 1971 there were several threats to protest against Player at tournaments though they never came to fruition. Years later, in October 1974, Australian activists screamed at Player, "Go home, racist!", as he was lining up a putt on the 72nd hole in a tournament he had a chance to win.
Career, Business, and Investments
Gary Player's illustrious career began at a young age, and he quickly ascended to the ranks of the world’s elite golfers. He has played in over 150 tournaments and has a legacy that includes the founding of the Gary Player Design company, which is responsible for designing golf courses globally. In addition to his golf career, Player has invested in various business ventures, including fitness products and charitable foundations aimed at encouraging youth participation in sports.
Gary James Player (born 1 November 1935) is a South African retired professional golfer who is widely considered to be one of the greatest golfers of all time. During his career, Player won nine major championships on the regular tour and nine major championships on the Champions Tour. At the age of 29, Player won the 1965 U.S.
Open and became the first non-American to win all four majors in a career, known as the career Grand Slam. At the time, he was the youngest player to do this, though Jack Nicklaus (26) and Tiger Woods (24) subsequently broke this record.
Player became only the third golfer in history to win the Career Grand Slam, following Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen, and only Nicklaus, Woods and Rory McIlroy have performed the feat since. He won over 160 professional tournaments on six continents over seven decades and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
Social Network
Gary Player remains active on social media, engaging with his fans through platforms like Twitter and Instagram. He uses these channels to promote his fitness lifestyle, share golfing tips, and connect with the golfing community. His social media presence helps keep his legacy alive while encouraging the next generation of athletes.
Player has more victories than anyone else in the South African Open (13) and the Australian Open (7).
He held the record for most victories in the World Match Play Championship, with five wins, from 1973 until 1991 when this feat was equalled by Seve Ballesteros, finally losing his share of the record in 2004, when Ernie Els won the event for the sixth time.
Player was in the top ten of Mark McCormack's world golf rankings from their inception in 1968 until 1981; he was ranked second in 1969, 1970 and 1972, each time to Jack Nicklaus.
Education
While Gary Player did not pursue formal education beyond high school, he has always advocated the importance of education and lifelong learning. His dedication to self-improvement is evident from his passion for fitness and mental vitality, which he often shares in public speeches and through his fitness programs.
Nicknamed the Black Knight, Mr. Fitness, and the International Ambassador of Golf, he is also a renowned golf course architect with more than 400 design projects on five continents throughout the world. Player has also authored or co-written 36 books on golf instruction, design, philosophy, motivation and fitness.
On 7 January 2021, Player was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by United States President Donald Trump.
