Sporting legend Gary Player has done it all, but the fact he’s still going might be the secret to a long and healthy life.
The nine-time golf major winner will turn 90 in November but is proving age is just a number as he’s still hitting the course when talkSPORT managed to catch up with him.
2
Player is still going strong in his 90th year and has revealed his secretCredit: Getty
Player is one of only six men to complete a Grand Slam of all four majors, a club that Rory McIlroy joined in April with his first ever Masters championship.
Tiger Woods, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus are the others to have achieved golf’s grandest feat, but good friends McIlroy and Woods will be well advised to take some advice from Player.
Speaking to Jim White after an appearance at St. Andrews in Scotland, the talkSPORT presenter couldn’t help but ask what’s keeping Player so youthful in his 90th year on earth.
“I suppose it’s a gift through God,” the South African said, adding. “I mean, I’ve got unbelievable energy.”
read more on rory mcilroy
But his secret? “I don’t even think of the word retirement,” he said.
“That retirement is death. When you retire, most people die quickly. I’ve got to keep young. I’ve got to keep moving.
“I’m in my 90th year. If there’s a fountain of youth, I don’t even want a drop of it because I think I’ve got some of my best years ahead of me.”
Player then picked a rather amusing example of how he keeps moving forward, by citing his love life.
“I’ve got a girlfriend at 90, which is quite extraordinary, isn’t it?” he said with a laugh.
“I’ve had a great life, which I had with my wife for 72 years. But now I’ve got a girlfriend. I’m not going to sit there and mope and feel sorry for myself. I’ve got a lot to live for.”
2
McIlroy joined the Grand Slam club and fellow member Player is delighted for himCredit: Getty
Due to his remarkable youth, Player is able to continually enjoy the game of golf, particularly the professional game where he got to witness McIlroy joining his exclusive Grand Slam club.
However, he doesn’t rank the Northern Irishman as the world’s best, and thinks there’s someone else to look out for at the upcoming US Open.
“I was absolutely [delighted]” he said. “He’s a wonderful golfer, a fine young man.
“And then we also have Justin Rose, who was victorious in defeat. And he missed a short putt to win the Masters.
“I felt very sorry for him because I’ve been second three times. Only your wife and your dog know who’s second, unfortunately. He’s a wonderful young man as well.”
But the best? Take notes those of you at Oakmont Country Club.
Rory McIlroy goes viral with perfect message for young fan wearing green jacket
“Well, Scotty Scheffler is without a doubt the best player in the world today,” Player added.
