Q&A → Gary Player Majors
How Many Majors Does Gary Player Have?
Gary Player of South Africa was the first international superstar of professional golf. Alongside Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer in golf's famed "Big Three," Player won majors across three decades and traveled an estimated 15 million miles in his career — a testament to his commitment to competing on every stage worldwide.
Gary Player's Major Championship Record
| Major | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1959 | Muirfield, Scotland |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1961 | Augusta National |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1962 | Aronimink GC, Pennsylvania |
| 🏆 US Open | 1965 | Bellerive CC, Missouri |
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1968 | Carnoustie, Scotland |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1972 | Oakland Hills, Michigan |
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1974 | Royal Lytham, England |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1974 | Augusta National |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1978 | Augusta National |
| Total: 9 Majors | 3 Masters · 3 Opens · 2 PGA · 1 US Open | |
Gary Player: Career Overview
Gary Player turned professional in 1953 and won his first major — The Open Championship — in 1959 at age 23. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Player made fitness and physical conditioning a cornerstone of his preparation, setting a template that modern players like Tiger Woods would later follow. He was known for wearing all-black attire, believing it projected confidence and absorbed energy.
Player competed in 52 consecutive Masters tournaments between 1957 and 2009. His nine major wins span from 1959 to 1978 — nearly two decades of elite major championship performance. His 1978 Masters win, where he came from 7 shots back in the final round to win by 1, is considered one of Augusta's most dramatic finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many majors did Gary Player win?
Gary Player won 9 major championships: 3 Masters, 3 Open Championships, 2 PGA Championships, and 1 US Open.
Is Gary Player in the World Golf Hall of Fame?
Yes. Gary Player was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974, recognizing him as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
How old was Gary Player when he won his last major?
Gary Player was 42 years old when he won his final major — The Masters in 1978. Coming from 7 shots behind in the final round, the victory is considered one of the most remarkable comebacks in Masters history.