Gary Player receives widespread praise

JOHANNESBURG – South African golf legend and international sports icon, Gary Player was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame at Sun City.

November 8, 2017

Tshepiso Mametela 2 minutes read

Family, friends, admirers, supporters as well as other famous sporting personalities gathered to witness South African golf legend, Gary Player’s induction into the South African Hall of Fame at the Sun City Superbowl on 6 November.

Sentiments of his immense contribution to the sport, his effervescent personality and humanitarian spirit were shared among all those who had the honour of rubbing shoulders with this giant of golf.

(Back) Pierre Coetzer, Hugh Bladen and Ian Scheckter. (Front) Gysie Pienaar and Kallie Knoetze. They are at the Gary Player Country Club ahead of the induction of Gary Player into the South African Hall of Fame at Sun City. Photo: Tshepiso Mametela

Angelique du Plessis, Paula Cramer and Lynne Forbes at the Sun City Superbowl ahead of South African golf legend, Gary Player’s induction into the South African Hall of Fame at Sun City. Photo: Tshepiso Mametela

“Having played sport for my country, I’ve always looked to a guy like Gary Player – he’s a legend in his own right,” said former South African cricketer, Mark Boucher. “Forget about what he’s done on the actual golf course, but off the course as well with the people that he’s looked after.

“The legacy that he’s left is massive, and that’s what people probably won’t see. I’ve certainly been privileged enough to spend a bit of time at his events and seen the good work that he’s done around the country for different types of people.” Renowned rugby commentator, Hugh Bladen shared his sentiments of Player.

“Gary Player was the South African Sportsman of the Century, which doesn’t get any much better than,” said Bladen. “He’s a great benefactor… a great humanitarian and just a great guy. What he managed to do in golf, no other South African has come close to doing.”

Bidvest Wits head coach, Gavin Hunt said he had always seen Player as the greatest sportsman and ambassador that the country has ever had. He added that for Player to achieve what he’s achieved in an individual sport such as golf, took immense self-determination and motivation.

Former South African cricketers, Albie Morkel and Mark Boucher at the Gary Player Country Club ahead of the induction of Gary Player into the South African Hall of Fame at Sun City. Photo: Tshepiso Mametela

Kyle Mitchell, Ryan Braybrooke, Kara Peach and Candice Smith at the Sun City Superbowl ahead of South African golf legend, Gary Player’s induction into the South African Hall of Fame at Sun City. Photo: Tshepiso Mametela

“For me, he’s the greatest sportsman this country’s ever had,” he said. “I don’t think I’d like to see another golfer in South Africa win 10 major [championships] to beat Gary’s record.”

Johnny Burger, who is the executive chairman of the South African Hall of Fame, said the process of electing an inductee was rigorous, with only the best qualifying to make it onto the Hall of Fame Honour Roll.

“We’ve got an independent panel of 10 people, and through the criteria of the SA Hall of Fame, the panel decides whether [candidates] tick the box or not,” he said.

“Gary Player is inevitably the biggest inductee of our lifetime, however, not only for his achievements as a golfer, but for his character too.”