GARY PLAYER at 90
'A FOREVER
LEGACY’
In 2000, to mark Golf Digest’s 50th anniversary, President Nelson Mandela penned the following about Gary Player. This is how it appeared in the publication
Christiaan Maas’ all-encompassing love for the game is also to the benefit of those who have the privilege of watching him
play
BY CLINTON VAN DER BERG
Because he was a professional golfer who spent much of his career performing outside South Africa, Gary Player was always perceived as being one step removed from the world of politics. Yet, few men in our country's history did as much to enact political changes for the better that eventually improved the lives of millions of his countrymen. Through his tremendous influence as a great athlete Mr Player accomplished what many politicians could not. And he did it with courage, perseverance, patience, pride, understanding and dignity that would have been extraordinary even for a world leader.
During my many years spent in prison, I was frequently made aware of the harsh treatment Mr Player endured as a representative of our nation. In 1969, at a very important tournament in America (the PGA Championship) a group of militant demonstrators who opposed apartheid yelled in the middle of his swing in an attempt to disrupt him. They threw ice at him. Once they even tried to rush him, but Jack Nicklaus, who is the greatest golfer of all, brandished his golf club and helped restrain them. Amid this, Mr Player finished in second place, perhaps his finest performance ever.
On another occasion, in Australia, protesters ventured onto one of the putting greens in the middle of the night and etched, with white lime, the slogan, ‘Go Home, You Racist Pig’ on the green. Mr Player frequently received threats against his life. There were people who thought he was partly to blame for apartheid in South Africa, when in truth he was no more responsible for that policy than Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer were for racial conflict in the United States. Mr Player was in danger many times, and the American FBI stayed in his company for months on end to protect him. That must have been terribly distracting, yet he endured and stood his ground.
And he always remained loyal to South Africa. Many athletes, you know, have fled their countries for the US, but Mr Player remained true to his South African heritage. He did his best to explain the complex nature of trying to invoke change in our country, and always set a tremendous example for all South Africans. For example, he successfully lobbied our government to allow golfer Lee Elder and tennis player Arthur Ashe to compete in South Africa. He established the Gary Player Foundation, which has done a great deal to further education among young black people in our country. I am proud to serve as a trustee for the foundation. Upon my release from prison, I met with Mr Player and told him, ‘You have not received the recognition you deserve.’ I was very sincere in saying that.
MADIBA MAGIC
Gary Player on his admiration for and friendship with Nelson Mandela.
watch NOW
Mr Player was voted the top athlete in the history of South Africa. His accomplishments as a golfer are extraordinary. He won 163 tournaments worldwide and compared very favorably against the greatest golfers of all time. He won tournaments in five different decades – including the Grand Slam – all four professional majors in his career.
That is impressive, but it is important to note that Mr Player also was voted one of the top five influential people in our nation's history. His accomplishments as a humanitarian and statesman are equal to, and may even surpass, his accomplishments as an athlete. That is a legacy that will last forever.
GLOBAL AMBASSADOR
Gallery below
‘I have a deep-rooted love for America and will always respect the person who holds the top office in the world. At age 17, my late brother left to fight in WW II alongside the British and Americans. Congratulations on your hard-earned victory, Mr President. A comeback for the ages indeed. You started 8 down with 9 holes to go and came out victorious. God Bless America.’
'With the great Bob Hope. Early on, I developed a bit of a “jab” stroke, and I wasn’t alone. Bobby Locke, Bill Casper, even Arnold Palmer had that kind of motion. Why? Because the greens we played on weren’t like today. Spike marks, grainy Bermuda, greens cut once a day if you were lucky. On those surfaces, a jab worked. You had to be firm and decisive, especially on short putts.'
'President George H.W. Bush was a gentle and kind man. Charismatic and hard working. Of course I love that he loved and played golf. His support in the early years of The Presidents Cup was instrumental in making the match what it is today. Vivienne and I join the many all around the world in mourning his loss, but also took comfort in knowing he enjoyed such an active and fulfilling life for 94 years.’
'An honour and special occasion, spending time with President Clinton, President Bush and Jack Nicklaus at the Presidents Cup.'
‘If you would have told a poor boy from South Africa he would eventually have the privilege to meet many US Presidents, he might not have believed you. No matter your difference, always give respect to the highest office in the free world.’
‘Elvis and I were born in the same year and I got the chance to meet The King on the set of his movie Hawaii. He was such a gentleman and I will always remember that when I walked on to the set he yelled, “CUT!” and went and put on a jacket before coming to greet me. We talked about the golf swing and I let him know how important it was to use your hips, which he enjoyed!’
‘Can you name the man talking to Arnold Palmer and myself? He was the US’s 38th president, and golf was his off-the-clock passion. It was Gerald Ford. I’m in yellow. Will golf fashion of the 1970s ever come back in style? Not sure about the yellow!’
‘I have been blessed to receive the great honour of being inducted into the South Africa Hall of Fame. Throughout my professional career, I have always tried to bring awareness to the beautiful country that is South Africa. As a proud South African, this honour was, and still is, particularly meaningful to me.’
'The GOAT convinced me to take up a greater interest in basketball after our round together in 2019, but I must confess, I am still trying to get the hang of this March Madness thing! So, I’m all ears - which teams should I choose to advance in my bracket?'
'Getting to know President Obama through the Presidents Cup and our shared love for golf.'
‘The incredible Sadhguru is a great peacemaker of the world, but he came to beat me on the course! I am always inspired by Sadhguru’s wisdom and steadfast desire to make the world a happier, more loving place. Truly wonderful sharing a round with a dear friend and role model.’
'You learn so much from people of different cultures. I admire Yao Ming and what he is doing for children’s education and am thankful golf is a catalyst for both our foundations.'
GARY PLAYER / INSTAGRAM
