Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gary Player

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 15, 2025

How Gary Player built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Gary Player is a highly accomplished South African retired professional golfer, celebrated as one of the sport's all-time greats. He secured nine major championships on the regular tour and nine on the Champions Tour. In 1965, he became the first non-American to achieve a Career Grand Slam, winning all four major championships. Player was the youngest to accomplish this feat at the time. He is one of only five golfers in history to have won a Career Grand Slam. With over 160 professional tournament victories across six continents throughout seven decades, Player's impact on golf is undeniable. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1957: Started at the Masters

Since 1957, Gary Player played at the Masters, with the exception of 1973.

1959: British Open Win at Muirfield

In 1959, at the age of 23, Gary Player won the British Open at Muirfield after double-bogeying the last hole.

1961: First International Winner

In 1961, Gary Player became the first international winner of the Masters Tournament.

1961: Led PGA Tour money list

In 1961, Gary Player led the U.S. based PGA Tour money list.

1965: Completion of Career Grand Slam

In 1965, Gary Player completed his Career Grand Slam at the age of twenty-nine.

1965: 1965 U.S. Open Win

In 1965, at the age of 29, Gary Player won the U.S. Open, becoming the first non-American to achieve a career Grand Slam in golf.

1974: Won Two Major Championships

In 1974, Gary Player became one of the few golfers to win two major championships in the same season.

1978: Masters Win

In 1978, Gary Player won the Masters after starting seven strokes behind, carding a final round 64 with birdies at seven of the last ten holes.

1983: The Player Foundation established Blair Atholl Schools

In 1983, The Player Foundation established the Blair Atholl Schools in Johannesburg, South Africa, providing educational facilities for over 500 students.

1984: Second Place at PGA Championship

In 1984, at the age of 48, Gary Player nearly became the oldest major champion, finishing second at the PGA Championship behind Lee Trevino.

1998: Oldest Golfer to Make the Cut at the Masters

In 1998, at the Masters, Gary Player became the oldest golfer ever to make the cut, breaking Sam Snead's 25-year-old record due to his dedication to diet, health, practice, and golf fitness.

2003: Captain of the International Team for the Presidents Cup

In 2003, Gary Player served as the non-playing captain of the International Team for the Presidents Cup, which was held at The Links at Fancourt, a course he designed. The event ended in a tie.

2005: Reappointed Captain for Presidents Cup

In 2005, Gary Player was reappointed as captain for the Presidents Cup, but his team lost to the Americans.

2007: Captain for Presidents Cup

In 2007, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus captained their respective teams again in Canada, with the United States winning the Presidents Cup.

April 2009: Last Masters Appearance

On April 10, 2009, Gary Player played for the last time in the Masters, marking his 52nd appearance, after playing every year since 1957 except for 1973, when he was recovering from surgery.

July 2009: Competed in Senior British Open Championship

At the age of 73, on July 23, 2009, Gary Player competed in the Senior British Open Championship at Sunningdale Golf Club, 53 years after his first European Tour victory.

July 2011: Invited as Honorary Starter

On July 5, 2011, Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters announced that Gary Player had been invited to join Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as an honorary starter.