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.

Tiger Woods follows closely behind with 15 major victories and holds an impressive number of 82 total PGA Tour wins—an all-time record that draws admiration from experts and fans alike. Player notes that while Woods has all the potential to surpass Nicklaus, the unfortunate turns in Woods’ career—especially his recent struggles with injuries—have hindered his quest for greater glory.

The ‘What If’ Game

Player believes that if Woods had made different choices throughout his career, he might have claimed the title of the greatest golfer ever, although he acknowledges that “if” doesn’t count for much in the competitive world of sports. Woods, who has only managed to capture one major championship since the 2008 season—the 2019 Masters—continues to recover from multiple injuries, making it uncertain how much more he can achieve on the course in the future.

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.

Debates Galore

As talk of Player’s rankings spreads, it has reignited discussions within golf circles regarding the legacies of historical golfers and how they are viewed today. Many fans are diving into the statistics and accomplishments of Player, Nicklaus, and Woods, often engaging in passionate debates about who should be recognized at the top of the list.

For Gary Player, his claim of being the third greatest golfer ever is underscored by his extensive career legacy and the wealth of statistics that back him up. As he gears up for his 90th birthday, golf lovers are certainly curious to see what else this ace has to say about the game he loves as well as the legends who shaped it.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Streamsong Golf Resort Introduces Fourth Course
Northern Ireland’s Golfing Gems Await the 2025 Open Championship
2025 Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown Set to Thrill Golf Fans
The Hidden Gems of Cornwall: Discovering Premier Golf Courses
New Course at Trump International Scotland Opens
New Discount for Scottish Golfers at Trump Turnberry
Local Golfers Can Now Enjoy Special Rate at King Robert the Bruce Course
Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club Marks 130 Years of Unique Golfing
Golfshake App Update Enhances the Golfing Experience
Michael Douglas to Tee Off at 2023 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

Additional Resources