The Wisdom Of Gary Player

The Indomitable Spirit Of Player Is Something To Emulate. His Energy, Skill, Longevity And Mental Acuity, Even At Age 83, Is Evidence Of His Resolve.

GARY PLAYER HAS WON 167 professional tournaments in 15 countries, including nine major championships on the regular tour and six on the Champions tour. He’s one of five players to capture the career Grand Slam. He has designed 400 courses worldwide. Through the Player Foundation, he has raised more than $50 million for charity. One of the extraordinary people in golf history has given Golf Digest memorable advice over the years. Here we present some of his best. — ALAN PITTMAN

I PLAYED WITH so many golfers who were way better than me, but I won majors and they didn’t. The swing is not the thing. The mind gets you out of a bind.

TRY TO GET WINDED

10 minutes a day. Whether it’s climbing stairs in your house, riding an exercise bike or jumping rope, the key is to get at least slightly out of breath for 10 minutes. It’s practically impossible to be badly out of shape if you do this each and every day.

I CAN BEAT most 30-year-olds in the gym at my age. I don’t see myself as old. I look at myself as young. The more you exercise, the better you feel, and the more you can do for this country.