On This Day

Gary Player

Athlete

Born: South African

Gary James Player 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 over 160 professional tournaments across six continents, including nine major championships. Following victories at the 1959 Open Championship, 1961 Masters Tournament and 1962 PGA Championship, Player won the 1965 U.S. Open to become the first non-American to win the career grand slam. He was the third golfer in history to win the modern career grand slam, following Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan, and only Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have achieved the feat since. Player was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974. Nicknamed "the Black Knight", "Mr. Fitness", and "the International Ambassador of Golf", Player has been prolific as a golf course architect with more than 400 design projects throughout the world. He has also authored or co-written 36 books on golf instruction, design, philosophy, motivation and fitness.

Notable For

South African professional golfer

Gary Player's Historical Timeline

  1. Gary Player is born

    Gary Player, South African athlete, known for south african professional golfer, was born on 1936-11-01.

  2. South African golfer Gary Player (21) weds childhood sweetheart Vivienne Verwey, until her death in 2021

    South African golfer Gary Player (21) weds childhood sweetheart Vivienne Verwey, until her death in 2021

  3. Jack Nicklaus debuts on the Senior PGA Tour with a 71 (-1) in the first round of The Tradition at Desert Mountain and wi

    Jack Nicklaus debuts on the Senior PGA Tour with a 71 (-1) in the first round of The Tradition at Desert Mountain and wins the event by four strokes over Gary Player

  4. South African golfer Gary Player receives PGA recognition for his 3 Senior British Open wins (1988, 90, 97) from before

    South African golfer Gary Player receives PGA recognition for his 3 Senior British Open wins (1988, 90, 97) from before event recognised as a major title (2003); takes him to 9 Senior majors

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Gary Player born?
Gary Player was born on 1936-11-01 (South African).
What is Gary Player known for?
South African professional golfer
What historical events involved Gary Player?
Gary Player was involved in 4 recorded historical events, including Gary Player is born, South African golfer Gary Player (21) weds childhood sweetheart Vivienne Verwey, until her death in 2021, Jack Nicklaus debuts on the Senior PGA Tour with a 71 (-1) in the first round of The Tradition at Desert Mountain and wi.

Related Years