Staff WriterSurrounded by family, friends, business leaders, and some of South Africa’s greatest sporting icons, Gary Player marked his 90th birthday in true style — with laughter, competition, and a whole lot of heart.
“The greatest word in any language is love, and there is just so much love amongst everybody here. I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have everybody here,” said the nine-time major champion, his trademark smile as bright as ever.
The milestone celebration coincided with the Gary & Vivienne Player Invitational, a 36-hole charity tournament held across both the Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Club courses — fitting venues for a man whose name is etched into the very soil of South African golf.
A Party with Purpose
As Gary Player celebrated a lifetime of achievements, the tournament’s first round ended with former Miss World turned entrepreneur Rolene Strauss and her team — Sunshine Tour professional Christiaan Burke and amateurs Greg Deglise and Francois Verhack — setting the pace at 96 points after a strong performance at Lost City Golf Club.
Hot on their heels were the teams of Irish musician Brian McFadden, Sunshine Tour professional Luke Brown, and amateurs Darren Roos and Surinder Arora; alongside rugby star Owen Nkumane, professional Wynand Dingle, and amateurs David Fraser and Alan Prentice — both groups finishing just one point behind on 95.
Not far off, former Springbok Patrick Lambie’s side — joined by professional Pieter Moolman and amateurs Giuseppe Ciucci and Sean Summer — sat three points adrift in fourth. But while the leaderboard was tight, the true winner this weekend was the sense of camaraderie surrounding Gary Player, whose enduring energy continues to inspire generations.
Tributes Fit for a Legend
“Looking at Gary Player and what he’s achieved in all spheres of life – whether it be professional sport, whether it be philanthropy, whether it’s the love he has for South Africa and his iconic sporting royalty status – what’s been the standout for me is his undying desire to want to give back,” said Springbok great Bryan Habana, reflecting the sentiment shared by everyone in attendance.
“His philanthropy in every way or form has probably been one of the greatest elements of his legacy that I look up to, and it inspires me the manner in which he’s done it. We are fortunate to celebrate a very special human being this weekend. A human being who turns 90, but a human being who’s impacted the world in such a positive way.”
Fellow Springbok Steven Kitshoff echoed the respect felt across generations. “Hearing a lot about Mr Player when I was a kid and growing up and his famous quote, ‘The harder you practice, the luckier you get,’ was something that always stuck with me. So I think what Mr Player has done, not just for South African sport, the difference he’s made globally has been massive. I have a lot of respect for him and his late wife Vivienne, and what they’ve done with this tournament and everything they give back to the community.”
Another rugby icon, Jaco Kriel, added, “For me, he’s not just a great golfer, but to leave a legacy like he’s doing at the moment is amazing. I think that’s any sportsman’s dream – to leave a legacy like that and still live his legacy and make such a difference.”
A Life Well Played
From the fairways of Augusta to the townships of South Africa, Gary Player’s life has been one long exhibition of grit, gratitude, and giving.
His relentless drive — the same one that earned him the nickname The Black Knight — now fuels his mission to uplift others through the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation, which continues to support children and communities across the nation.
As part of his 90th celebration, the public is encouraged to join the movement with #90Acts, a campaign calling on fans worldwide to share acts of kindness inspired by Player’s enduring generosity.
Support the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation South Africa at garyandvivienneplayerfoundationdonate.org/southafrica, and follow the stories on Instagram at @gary.player and @gvpfsa.
After 90 years of living by his own mantra — “The harder you practice, the luckier you get” — Gary Player remains the embodiment of discipline, optimism, and love.
And as he stood surrounded by generations he’s inspired, it was clear: the man who conquered the world’s toughest courses has built a legacy that’s impossible to outplay.
