Gary Player Trending: Why the Golf Legend Is Dominating Headlines Today

Beneath the soft-gold dawn that marked the first round of the Masters Tournament 2025, 89-year-old South African legend Gary Player marched onto the first tee at Augusta National and unleashed a drive that split the fairway, officially opening the championship in vintage “Black Knight” fashion. Still a competitor at heart, Player later joked with reporters that the secret to his longevity is “hard work, clean living, and never letting fast food touch my lips”—before adding, in trademark bravado, “If you eat junk, you die”. His comments lit up social media, proving the nine-time major champion remains as quotable as he is ageless. Augusta homecoming For the third straight year, Player joined fellow icons Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson for the ceremonial tee shot. While Nicklaus and Watson received roaring ovations, it was Player’s energetic jog to the ball and athletic follow-through that drew gasps from the galleries. He later spent time on the practice green demonstrating his famed bunker technique to a clutch of young professionals hungry for major-championship insight. Philanthropy in full swing Off the course, Player’s humanitarian work continues to expand. Last week the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation donated $150,000 to a new pediatrics unit in Riviera Beach, Florida, funding neonatal equipment and a reading corner that will bear the golfer’s name. The gift follows his recent appearance supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, where he praised U.S. veterans and first responders during a televised fundraiser. New controversy, same confidence Player also found himself in the headlines for claiming he once carded just 21 putts in a competitive round, a feat skeptics immediately questioned on golf forums. Unfazed, he fired back that he has “nothing to prove” after more than six decades of professional golf, noting that detailed stats from earlier eras are scarce. Fitness evangelist Even in his ninth decade, Player begins each day with 1,000 sit-ups, stretches, and resistance-band work, urging amateurs to “treat your body like a temple.” His Instagram account, managed by his grandson, routinely posts sunrise workout clips that inspire millions of fans and remind the golf world that age is merely a number for the man who conquered nine major championships across three continents. Legacy cemented From pioneering international travel schedules in the 1960s to championing diversity in golf, Gary Player’s story is woven into the fabric of the sport. His spirited opening drive at age 89 added another unforgettable chapter, while his philanthropic milestones prove that his impact reaches far beyond the fairways of Augusta National. As the 2025 Masters leaderboard evolves, one thing is already certain: Gary Player continues to set the standard for competitive spirit, healthy living, and giving back—ensuring that the legend of the Black Knight shines brighter than ever.