Gary Player’s career will mainly be remembered for his nine major championship victories between 1959 and 1978.
The South African, during his prime, was one of golf’s best and was particularly good at playing links courses, resulting in three Open Championship victories.
Player, as well as being one of the best golfers ever to live, is also one of the sport’s great characters. The now 89-year-old is never afraid to come out with bold claims.
During a recent video with YouTube star Grant Horvat, Player said he should have won 14 majors and that Tiger Woods should never have changed his swing in 2000.
Gary Player’s Senior Tour claim
After finishing his playing career, Player decided to participate in the Senior Tour. The nine-time major winner would go on to become one of the most successful seniors of all time.
He would win nine Senior Tour majors, and the South African believes it’s an achievement that is more impressive than what he accomplished in the professional game.
“I won nine majors on the regular tour but I think the nine majors on the senior tour were better,” Player said.
“I tell you why because you have to do it when you are 50 and over. I am the only one who has won the grand slam on the regular tour and senior tour. If it was that easy, why did Palmer and Nicklaus not do it? Why did Trevino and Watson not do it? If it’s that easy.
“What Bernhard Langer has done on that senior tour. I had the most major championships on the senior tour. I won nine; he has won 11. I admire Bernhard Langer. One of the things we have to try and do is get this message on your show. Young people have to look after themselves health-wise and realise how lucky they are to live in America.”
Gary Player’s Senior Tour record
Player won 22 PGA Tour Champions events and three European Senior Tour events. Nine of the South African’s victories, as previously mentioned, came in majors.
Player, however, isn’t quite the gold standard in the senior record books. That accolade goes to German Bernhard Langer.
The German won 12 senior majors and is the only player to win all five championships. Langer has the most PGA Tour Champions wins of all time (47) and recently beat Tiger Woods at the PNC Championship in Florida.
Jack Nicklaus also competed on the senior circuit and won eight major championships. The Golden Bear won ten times on the tour before ending his illustrious career.
With Tiger Woods fast approaching 50, many golf fans would love to watch the 15-time major winner break records on golf’s senior circuits.
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