Gary Player Reveals His Top Three Golfers of All Time
News Summary
As Gary Player approaches his 90th birthday, he shares his rankings of the greatest golfers, placing Jack Nicklaus at the top, followed by Tiger Woods and himself in third. Player emphasizes the significant accomplishments of Nicklaus and Woods and reflects on his own legacy in the golf world. This has ignited discussions among fans about the greatest golfers in history, especially in light of Nicklaus’s acknowledgment of Player’s assessment.
The Golf Legend Weighs In: Gary Player’s Top Three Golfers of All Time
As golf fans around the world prepare to celebrate the upcoming milestone of legendary golfer Gary Player‘s 90th birthday, the nine-time major championship winner has stirred up some lively conversation in the golf community by revealing his personal rankings of the greatest golfers of all time. With a definitive declaration, Player places Jack Nicklaus firmly at the top, followed by Tiger Woods, with himself coming in third.
Player’s Rankings: A Clear Cut
In his recent declaration, Player stated there’s “not even a question” about who holds the title of the greatest golfer in history. For Player, the record book serves as the ultimate barometer for greatness, and when it comes to major championship wins, Nicklaus reigns supreme with an astonishing 18 victories. Not only that, but he also boasts 19 runner-up finishes, a testament to his phenomenal consistency and skill on the course.
The ‘What If’ Game
A Grand Slam Legacy
Adding to the intrigue, Player himself is one of only six golfers in history to achieve a career grand slam and boasts an impressive tally of around 160 professional wins. He takes pride in this record and is vocal about how he compares to other golf greats, particularly Bobby Jones and Arnold Palmer. In Player’s view, the accomplishments he has achieved far surpass those of Jones and Palmer, making it a point to emphasize his superior stroke averages and total major wins.
Respect for the Game and His Rivals
Despite his strong self-assessment, Player is quick to express his respect for Palmer’s contributions to the game, recognizing the impact Palmer had during his time. As Player continues to participate annually in events like the PNC Championship, he attributes his remarkable longevity to a disciplined fitness routine he adopted early in his professional career. It’s this commitment that has allowed him to remain a visible figure in golf, even as he approaches an incredible age milestone.
The Response from Nicklaus
In light of Player’s rankings, Jack Nicklaus himself has responded by calling Player’s assessment of their careers a “pretty good assessment”. This recognition from Nicklaus adds further credence to Player’s confidence in his self-ranking, sparking more dialogue among fans and experts alike on who truly deserves the title of the greatest golfer.