Gary Player of South Africa, a nine-time major winner, showcased his mastery at the P.G.A. Championship over the years. His victories in 1962 and 1972, along with a remarkable runner-up finish in 1984 at the age of 48, solidified his legacy as one of golf’s greats.
Player’s 1972 victory at Oakland Hills Country Club remains etched in golf lore, particularly his clutch 9-iron approach on the 16th hole that defied the odds and propelled him to a two-stroke triumph.
As this year’s P.G.A. Championship tees off at Valhalla Golf Club, Player, now 88, reflects on his storied history at the event and shares some insights into his remarkable career and the game he loves.
Here’s an exclusive look at Player’s thoughts on his greatest shots, memorable moments, and the enduring importance of the P.G.A. Championship.
Was the shot at 16 the greatest one you ever hit?
Player reveals, “No. The greatest shot I ever hit was in the [1968] British Open at Carnoustie in Scotland… I take the 3-wood [on No. 14] and hit it inches from the hole.”
Another one was the second shot on 17 in the 1974 Masters?
Player recounts, “My caddie said to me when I arrived [at the ball], ‘I need a roof on my house.’ I said, ‘We’re going to get you a roof this week.’ As I hit the 9-iron, I just took the club and gently tossed it towards that bag and said, ‘We’re not even going to need a putter.’ It was inches behind the hole.”
What do you remember about the 1962 P.G.A. at the Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia?
Player reflects, “Bob Goalby and I had a great battle down to the end… They made me an honorary member and I go to Philly for a month every year and play a lot with the members.”
The 1984 P.G.A. Championship would have been a heck of a win for you?
Player acknowledges, “Yeah, that would have been. At that stage, Julius Boros [also 48] was the oldest man to win a major…”
Do you feel the P.G.A. gets enough respect among the four majors?
Player asserts, “I rate the British Open No. 1, the United States Open No. 2, the P.G.A. No. 3 and the Masters No. 4.”
You rate the P.G.A. over the Masters?
Player explains, “Yes, I do.”
A lot of people consider the P.G.A. the least important major. Why do they believe that?
Player responds, “I don’t know why… it’s the toughest field of any field in golf. That’s pretty significant if you beat the best field in golf.”
What do you think of the current run of Scottie Scheffler, who has won four tournaments since early March, including the Masters?
Player commends Scheffler, stating, “Fantastic. He’s a very nice man. He’s got a perfect golf swing…”
Do you think the game is better off when there is a dominant player?
Player explains, “What happens when you have people dominating is you get tremendous coverage…”
When you play with friends, do you love the game as much as ever?
Player reveals, “People say to me, ‘How much do you play?’ I say, ‘Four to five times a week.’…”
What’s your game like these days?
Player shares, “I average par. I’ve beaten my age thousands of times… Trevino says to me, ‘What’s so good about that? You [can] shoot 16 over par to beat your age.’…”
