Golf and PGA Tour legend Gary Player continues to captivate audiences as he celebrates his 90th birthday. The South African, who made history by becoming the first international player to win the Masters in 1961, remains a prominent figure in the sport. Despite a controversial moment in 1962 when he took the green jacket home after losing to Arnold Palmer—though only reigning champions are permitted to do so—he has since maintained his status as a trailblazer.
In April, Player stunned spectators at Augusta National Golf Club by teeing off at 89 years old, concluding his round with a signature high kick. “I’m standing here for the 67th time, and I think the word is gratitude, just being here,” he reflected at the time. Now 90, Player has shared insights into his approach to health and longevity, citing a list of principles he follows: under eating, exercise, reading, prayer/meditation, love, ice baths, gratitude, sleep, laughter, staying busy, friendships, and tackling tasks one dislikes.
These guidelines, which Player carries on a laminated card, originated from a gerontologist’s advice on achieving 100 years of life. “All the gerontologists varied to a degree, but basically what they all agreed on to live a long time is under eat,” he told Golfweek. Player emphasized that overeating and obesity are major health concerns.
Living to 100 has become his current goal, and he details his regimen: regular golf, weight training, beach walking, and swimming—though he avoids “far out” locations due to shark risks. He also recounted his youthful perspective on golf, which he once viewed as a “sissy sport” compared to soccer, rugby, and cricket.
Player’s journey included hardships, including a challenging upbringing in South Africa where he endured solitude and poverty. He credited these struggles with shaping his resilience, stating, “That was the greatest gift bestowed upon me ever. And that’s what made me a world champion.”
With 24 PGA Tour wins, 22 on the Champions Tour, nine major victories, and 118 international titles, Player has left an indelible mark on golf. He also warned against early retirement, asserting it is “a death warrant” as people often succumb to inactivity and poor habits. “They say, ‘I’ve worked hard; I’m going to take it easy.’ And yes, literally, they do. They go home and they sit there and they overeat and they watch television and they die within three years,” he explained.
