Gary Player has enjoyed one of the most remarkable golfing careers of any player to date. Call him what you like; The Black Knight, Mr Fitness or The International Ambassador for Golf, Gary Player is one of the most influential figures in the history of the game.
The diminutive South African logged more than 12million miles of air travel throughout a career that reaped the rewards of plenty of hard work. “The more I practice, the luckier I get,” is a popular quote that was coined by Player himself and he was certainly “lucky” throughout his career, winning no less than nine major championships on the regular tour in addition to a bucketful on the Seniors Tour.
These days Gary is a well respected golf course architect, having laid down courses including Donnafugata in Italy, Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi and the stunning Fancourt Links in his native South Africa.
While his legacy will no doubt live on through the years, it is the little pearls of wisdom that he has dropped along the way that we are interested in today. In honour of his 79th birthday, we though we’d take a look at some of Player’s best golf related quotes from years gone by…
“We create success or failure on the course primarily by our thoughts.”
Player talks about the power of one’s mind on the golf course. It’s all about Positive Mental Attitude!
Fancourt is home to a number of remarkable golf courses but The Links is the resort’s crowning glory. A must play course for any ardent golfer visiting South Africa.
“You must work very hard to become a natural golfer.”
Gary has long been known as one of the hardest working professionals in the game. Next time you favour a Full English in the clubhouse over 30 minutes on the range, think of Gary beating you senseless on the course at the age of 79!
“Golf is a puzzle without an answer. I’ve played the game for 40 years and I still haven’t the slightest idea how to play.”
Christ Gary…think how the rest of us feel!
Saadiyat Beach is the Gulf’s first oceanfront golf course and is a spectacular sight to behold. Those visiting Abu Dhabi on their next golf holiday simply must tee it up here.
“I’ve travelled more than any human being who’s ever lived.”
Reportedly Player has travelled more than 12 million miles throughout his career!
“If there’s a golf course in Heaven, I hope it’s like Augusta National. I just don’t want an early tee time.”
Player, who won 3 US Masters titles between 1961 and 1978, clearly has a soft spot for the famous Georgia layout.
When compared to Spain and Portugal, Italy might not be as well known when it comes to golf but with courses such as Player’s Donnafugata, there are plenty of reasons to visit.
“The first time I ever saw Arnold Palmer, I said, “There’s a star.” The first time I saw Jack Nicklaus, I said, “Superstar.” I feel the same way about Tiger Woods.”
Player clearly has an eye for talent. Maybe the Black Knight could help us with next week’s betting tips?
Reportedly the following quote originally came about after a “good old boy with a big hat” stumbled across Gary practicing in a greenside bunker. After seeing Player hole out at his first attempt, the golfer offered him “50 bucks” to do it again. In went the next attempt. “$100 if you hold the next one” said the “old boy with a big hat”. In goes the third shot in a row. “Boy I have never seen anyone so lucky in my life.”
“The harder I practice, the luckier I get.”
Glad to read more about this guy, since he designed golf course that is being built in my neighbourhood (Lustica Bay – Montenegro)
I’ve heard he is kinda big deal in golf world… thanks for the article!