Gary Player vs Arnold Palmer
Golf's Golden Era Legends — 9 vs 7 Majors
Quick Stats Comparison
| Statistic | Gary Player | Arnold Palmer |
|---|---|---|
| Total Major Wins | 9 | 7 |
| Masters | 3 (1961, 1974, 1978) | 4 (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964) |
| US Open | 1 (1965) | 1 (1960) |
| Open Championship | 3 (1959, 1968, 1974) | 2 (1961, 1962) |
| PGA Championship | 2 (1962, 1972) | 0 (runner-up twice) |
| Career Grand Slam | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (never won PGA) |
| Major Span (years) | 19 (1959-1978) | 6 (1958-1964) |
| Peak Years | 1959-1978 | 1958-1964 |
Major Championships Breakdown
Gary Player (9) ✅
Arnold Palmer (7)
Career Storyline Comparison
- 1958: Arnold Palmer wins his first Masters — begins the "Arnie's Army" era
- 1959: Gary Player wins his first Open Championship at Muirfield, age 23
- 1960: Palmer's greatest year — wins Masters and US Open, revives The Open by playing it
- 1961: Player wins Masters; Palmer wins Open at Royal Birkdale
- 1962: Player wins PGA Championship — completes Career Grand Slam as only non-American to do so in 20th century
- 1962: Jack Nicklaus arrives, forming "The Big Three" with Player and Palmer
- 1964: Palmer wins his 4th and final Masters — his last major victory at age 34
- 1974: Player wins both Masters and Open Championship at 38 years old
- 1978: Player wins his final major (Masters) at age 42 — 19 years after his first
- 2016: Arnold Palmer passes away at age 87, mourned by the entire golf world
Analysis
Gary Player's Edge
- More major wins: 9 vs 7 — Player leads by 2
- Career Grand Slam: Completed it in 1962; Palmer never won the PGA
- Longevity: 19-year span of major wins (1959-1978) vs Palmer's 6 years
- International pioneer: First non-American to complete Career Grand Slam in 20th century
- "The Black Knight": Always wore black, fitness pioneer ahead of his time
Arnold Palmer's Edge
- Masters dominance: 4 wins at Augusta vs Player's 3
- Cultural impact: Transformed golf from country club sport to mass entertainment
- First TV star: Made golf accessible to working-class fans
- "Arnie's Army": The most beloved figure in golf history
- Revived The Open: His participation in the early 1960s saved the championship
Verdict
Player leads 9-7 in majors and has the Career Grand Slam that Palmer never completed. But Palmer's impact on golf transcended championships — he made the sport what it is today.
Player was the more complete major champion; Palmer was the more important cultural figure. Both, alongside Jack Nicklaus, formed "The Big Three" that defined golf's golden era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why couldn't Arnold Palmer win the PGA Championship?
Arnold Palmer never won the PGA Championship despite being runner-up twice (1964, 1968). The PGA was played at match play until 1958, limiting his early chances. By the time it switched to stroke play, Palmer's peak had passed and Jack Nicklaus dominated the event. It remains the only major Palmer never won.
How did Gary Player complete the Career Grand Slam?
Gary Player completed the Career Grand Slam by winning the 1962 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. He had already won The Open (1959), Masters (1961), and completed the set at age 26. He was the first non-American to achieve this in the 20th century.
What was "The Big Three"?
The Big Three refers to Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player — the three golfers who dominated the sport from the late 1950s through the 1970s. Together they won 34 major championships and elevated golf to a global sport.