Gary Player's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Gary Player.

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

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.

1966: Awarded the Bob Jones Award

In 1966, Gary Player was awarded the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor given by the United States Golf Association.

1968: Ranked in McCormack's world golf rankings

From the inception of Mark McCormack's world golf rankings in 1968 until 1981, Gary Player was in the top ten.

1969: Ranked second in McCormack's world golf rankings

In 1969, Gary Player was ranked second in Mark McCormack's world golf rankings.

1970: Ranked second in McCormack's world golf rankings

In 1970, Gary Player was ranked second in Mark McCormack's world golf rankings.

1972: Ranked second in McCormack's world golf rankings

In 1972, Gary Player was ranked second in Mark McCormack's world golf rankings.

1973: Held record for most victories in the World Match Play Championship

From 1973, Gary Player held the record for most victories in the World Match Play Championship, with five wins.

1974: Won Two Major Championships

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

1974: Inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame

In 1974, Gary Player was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

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.

1981: Ranked in McCormack's world golf rankings

From the inception of Mark McCormack's world golf rankings in 1968 until 1981, Gary Player was in the top ten.

1991: Seve Ballesteros Equalled Player's Record

In 1991, Seve Ballesteros equalled Gary Player's record for most victories in the World Match Play Championship with five wins.

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.