Gary Player
Professional golfer
By South African Index Editorial Desk · Published
Gary Player is a South African golfer who won nine major championships and completed the modern career Grand Slam. He received the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold in 2003. [1][2]
Biography
Player was born in Johannesburg on 1 November 1935. The World Golf Hall of Fame records that he became one of golf’s most internationally successful players and was enshrined in the Hall in 1974. [1]
His competitive record includes nine major championships and victories in all four of the modern men’s major championships, completing the career Grand Slam. The World Golf Hall of Fame credits him with more than 160 professional victories worldwide. [1]
In 2003 Player received the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold. The official award citation recognised both his lifetime achievement in golf and his contribution to the development of non-racial sport in South Africa. [2]
Key contributions
Built one of South Africa’s most internationally prominent sporting careers, including nine major golf championships. [1]
Was recognised by the South African state for contributions to golf and to the development of non-racial sport. [2]
Career timeline
Sources
- World Golf Hall of Fame, Gary Player. Original source. Accessed 2026-09-24. ↩
- South African Government, Recipients of the National Order Awards, 2003: Gary Player, 2003-12-02. Original source. Accessed 2026-09-24. ↩