Gary Player at 90: Golf Legend’s Secrets to Longevity
Gary Player, the renowned South African golfer, is still actively playing golf at the impressive age of 90.
He made history as the first international player to win the Masters in 1961. Although he faced a setback against Arnold Palmer in 1962—where he controversially took home the green jacket, a move that broke tournament rules—Player’s legacy continues to thrive.
“I suffered so much. A lot,” he has shared, reflecting on his experiences.
Just last April, Player teed off at 89, surprising spectators in Augusta, Georgia, when he finished with an autograph—a surprising display of enthusiasm. “This is the 67th time I’ve been standing here, and gratitude is the right word just to be here,” he expressed.
Having turned 90 on November 1, Player has revealed his secrets for a long life, which he listed quite candidly. “Eat less. Exercise. Read. Pray/meditate. Love. Take an ice bath. Be grateful. Get some sleep. Laugh. Stay busy. Make friends. Do the things you don’t want to do,” he advised in a recent conversation.
Interestingly, this isn’t purely his own wisdom. He mentioned that he carries a laminated card with guidelines provided by a gerontologist outlining 12 principles for living to 100.
“The one thing that all gerontologists basically agree on is that to live longer, you shouldn’t eat so much,” Player remarked. “Everyone is eating too much. Obesity is a significant issue.” He has made it clear that aiming to reach 100 is a goal he has embraced and shared his healthy lifestyle publicly.
Part of his regimen involves consistent workouts and playing golf as often as possible, which includes activities like weightlifting, walking on the beach, and swimming. Although he joked about being cautious of sharks, he is serious about maintaining his physical health.
Player talked about his daily focus on living to be 100, emphasizing that illness could derail that ambition. “It can happen because food gets splattered, and that’s what keeps you from getting 100 years old,” he said.
Reflecting on his childhood in South Africa, Player admitted that he initially viewed golf as an “effeminate sport,” instead favoring soccer, rugby, and cricket. He recalled his tough upbringing: “When you go through what I went through when I was young, living like a junkie or a dog… I went to this great school, but when I got home, no one was there. I made my own meals and woke up early for school.”
Upon taking up golf, he promised himself that if he achieved success, he would assist others facing challenging situations. “So I really suffered a lot… I lay in bed for two years, crying and wishing I was dead. That suffering became my greatest gift,” he reflected.
In terms of his career achievements, Player boasts 24 wins on the PGA Tour and an additional 22 wins at the PGA Tour Champions, alongside nine major victories, including three Masters titles in 1961, 1974, and 1978. He has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame since 1974.
Player shared some insights about lifestyle choices based on his experiences, suggesting that many individuals retire too early. “For me, that’s a death warrant,” he argues. People often think, “I’ve worked hard, now I’ll take it easy.” But, in reality, many then engage in unhealthy habits and decline swiftly.
