Gary Player claimed Arnold Palmer and Dustin Johnson had the same issue, ‘once you do that you’re gone’

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Gary Player recently made an incredible claim about a similar problem which both Arnold Palmer and Dustin Johnson suffered from.

Player is one of the most successful golfers to have ever played the game, with 159 worldwide wins to his name including nine major championships.

Meanwhile, Palmer won 95 professional events throughout his storied career, with seven major championships to his name.

Johnson isn’t in the same league as the two aforementioned players, but he has won two majors and a further 29 professional tournaments.

Player and Palmer shared huge admiration for one another throughout their careers.

Palmer, especially, was a real trailblazer in the game of professional golf and many believe that without him, the PGA Tour would not be what it is today.

However, Player still found time to fire a thinly-veiled dig at his former rival.

Gary Player said Arnold Palmer and Dustin Johnson had the same issue

Player, 89, has forged a reputation for himself throughout the years of being uncompromising, to say the least, when it comes to sharing his opinions.

He lived up to that reputation and more, when sharing his feelings on the careers of Palmer and Johnson.

The nine-time major champion was speaking on The Golf Supply YouTube Channel back in August about the problem with modern-day coaching.

And the South African suggested that Palmer and Johnson suffered with a similar problem which prevented them from winning more majors.

He said: “There is a tremendous lack of knowledge with golf. I would say in America today the golf pros that are teaching know less about golf. They have all the equipment and the technology but they are teaching golfers to do this at the top. But you can’t once you do that you’re gone. Jack Nicklaus won majors for 25 years, I won majors for 20 years, Palmer won for six years because he was shut.

“Look at Dustin Johnson. You haven’t heard of him. When was the last time you heard of Dustin Johnson? The minute you go like this, your golf career is limited. You have got to get the club and your hands under the club.“

Gary Player vs Arnold Palmer vs Dustin Johnson: Major records compared

Player was spot on with his suggestion that Palmer and Johnson lacked longevity when it came to winning major championships.

Here is how the three golfers compared in the four biggest tournaments throughout their respective careers:

Johnson is obviously only 41, so if he ever rediscovers his best form, he will have a chance to improve upon his win span.

However, perhaps Player has a point regarding golfers who play with a closed club face at the top of their backswings.

Only time will tell whether or not the South African’s theory proves to be correct.