Golf legend Gary Player, now 90, continues to captivate audiences with his enduring presence on the course. The South African, who made history as the first international player to win the Masters in 1961, remains a prominent figure in the sport. Despite a notable incident in 1962 where he took the green jacket home after losing to Arnold Palmer—though only reigning champions were permitted to do so—he has since become a symbol of resilience and longevity.
In April, Player stunned spectators at Augusta National Golf Club by teeing off at 89, concluding his round with his trademark high kick. “I’m standing here for the 67th time, and I think the word is gratitude, just being here,” he reflected. On November 1, he celebrated his 90th birthday, sharing insights into his approach to health and aging.
Player outlined a regimen of 12 principles, including “under eat,” exercise, reading, prayer, love, ice baths, gratitude, sleep, laughter, staying busy, friendships, and tackling tasks one dreads. He attributed these habits to advice from a gerontologist, emphasizing that overeating and obesity are critical threats to longevity. “Everybody’s eating too much,” he noted, highlighting the dangers of modern dietary practices.
His daily routine includes golf, weight training, beach walks, and swimming—though he jokes about avoiding sharks. Player’s goal is to reach 100, provided he avoids illness linked to environmental factors. He also reflected on his youth in South Africa, where he initially dismissed golf as a “sissy sport” before embracing it after years of personal struggle.
A three-time Masters champion and PGA Tour icon with 24 titles, Player credited his success to perseverance. “I really suffered a lot… That was the greatest gift bestowed upon me ever,” he said. He warns against early retirement, calling it a “death warrant” for those who stop engaging actively. “They sit, overeat, and die within three years,” he cautioned.
Player’s legacy endures through his achievements and philosophy, offering lessons on aging and vitality to fans worldwide.
