Gary Player: From Poverty to Global Icon | Lessons from South Africa’s Greatest Champion

Golf legend Gary Player opens up about his incredible life journey — from a childhood of poverty and loss in South Africa to becoming one of the greatest sportsmen in history. In this rare and emotional interview, Player reflects on how hardship built his character, why South Africans excel in sport, and how decades of turmoil forged resilience in the nation’s people. He shares heartfelt stories about his family, his late wife Vivienne, and his passion for giving back through education and opportunity for underprivileged communities. Player also speaks about South Africa’s unity, the need to move beyond hatred, and his dream of seeing the next black or Indian golf champion rise on the world stage. Chapters: 00:00 The character building moments in the life of Gary Player 00:59 “I ate morogo and putu every day” and at the age of 10 I lay in bed crying, wishing I was dead - Gary Player. That’s what made me a champion 01:46 A country that has been through turmoil has made South Africa a tough people says Gary Player 02:06 My heart bleeds for poverty, says Gary Player 02:55 We’ve invited 400 people for my birthday, says Gary Player 03:47 Bringing two farmworkers for his birthday celebrations at Sun City, to share in his birthday by staying in the Palace and attending the Gary Player 90th birthday celebrations. They’re the two best guests I have here today, because they will appreciate it more than anybody 04:55 On Championship mentality during the career of Gary Player 👉 Watch as Gary Player — a man who’s played with presidents, kings, and the poorest in the world — reminds us that the greatest word in life is love.