Gary Player is one of the most celebrated golfers from all time translating into the impressive Gary Player net worth.
He is of course most famous for his incredible golfer achievements, but he has also become a well known philanthropist and entrepreneur, being known as the ‘Black Knight.’
In this article by Sports Buddy, we have written all about his background, his career milestones, his business ventures, his personal life and most importantly Gary Player net worth.
Gary Player Early Life and Background
Gary Player was born November 1, 1935, in Johannesburg, South Africa. His father, Harry Player a gold mine worker, and his mother, Muriel, was a homemaker.
Early in the Player’s life his mother died of cancer, when Player was just eight years old. However, this loss profoundly affected his character and determination.
His father saw player’s potential and took a loan out to buy Player his first set of clubs. When Gary was 14, he proclaimed himself the world’s best golfer.
The right determination prevailed with limited resources. He trained day and night, walking miles to practice and quickly he showed massive promise.
Gary Player Professional Career
Gary Player became a professional in 1953 at the age of 17. Much of golfing history would be built over the next six decades.
Player was known for his relentless work ethic and focus, and became the first international golfer to take complete control of the game in a global capacity.
Gary Player is one of only five golfers to achieve the career Grand Slam, winning all four major championships at least once:
The Masters Tournament (1961, 1974, 1978): In 1961 he won his first Masters, becoming the first non American to win the title. Then from 1974 to 1978 his wins have cemented his legacy as a legend.
The U.S. Open (1965): Player became the only non-American to win all four majors, known as one of the toughest tournaments, after a gripping playoff victory.
The Open Championship (1959, 1968, 1974): On the evidence of his three wins in The Open, you could see he could play on different courses and different conditions.
The PGA Championship (1962, 1972): His consistency and resilience shone through having two wins here.
Through it, he won nine majors and finished in the top 10 an astounding 44 times at major tournaments.
Besides his major victories, Gary Player won 24 times on the PGA Tour, 22 times on the Champions Tour, and 165 other international tournaments. He represented South Africa in the World Cup of Golf and through him, the sport began to globalize.
In an era when physical conditioning wasn’t much of a priority for golfers, player’s commitment to fitness set him apart.
He was a trailblazer, setting next generations of athletes and future generations of athletes a high standard of dedication towards exercise, diet and mental preparation.
Gary Player Business Ventures
Gary Player’s name is a brand that carries extension beyond the sport of golf. He was a very smart man, he used his fame and experience to create a portfolio of many businesses and investments.
Gary Player Design was formed by Player, one of the most respected golf course design firms in the world. The company has designed roughly 400 courses since its inception in the early 1980s on five continents.
These courses are known for their sustainability, innovative layouts and challenging designs for both professional players and the enthusiast.
Also, during his years as a pro golfer, Gary Player partnered with many of the biggest brands in the world including Rolex, Callaway and Coca Cola. Not only did these endorsements build Gary Player net worth, they also established him as golf’s global ambassador.
Additionally, in 1983 Gary Player founded the Gary Player Foundation, in order to improve education, healthcare and opportunities for less privileged children.
The charity golf events the charity golf events such as the Gary Player Invitational series which brings top players and celebrities with them, have raised millions of dollars.
Also as a luxury real estate owner, Player owns properties in South Africa, the United States, and Europe. He is involved in Golf resorts, high end residential development and vacation properties and they add a lot to Gary Player net worth.
Lastly, Player is an author, having written several books on golf, fitness and personal development.
His works include “The Golfer’s Guide to the Meaning of Life“. He also shares insights from his philosophy and experiences in, “Don’t Choke: A Champion’s Guide to Winning Under Pressure.”
Gary Player Net Worth
It is estimated that Gary Player net worth is $250 million as at 2024. Gary Player net worth comes from various sources:
- Last year’s US Open win earned him $1.7 million in prize money from over 165 professional victories.
- Gary Player Design golf course projects or revenue.
- Endorsement and sponsorships earnings.
- Real estate investments returns.
- Book sales and media appearances.
Player is rich, but he is known as a modest man who will give to others. Much of Gary Player net worth is spent on philanthropic activities especially through his foundation.
Gary Player Personal Life: Family and Relationships
In 1957, Gary Player married his childhood sweetheart, Vivienne Verwey. They have raised six children and 22 grandchildren and shared a deep bond.
Throughout his career he was a constant source of strength and support for Vivienne. Sadly she died in 2021 having battled cancer leaving a big hole in Player’s life.
Family is something player is really, really, really into, and at times family seems to be player’s most important value. He still spends time with his children, grandchildren and passes on his life lessons.
