Player is keeping his swing secret close to his chest, but his new Black Book uncovers fresh material about his long career in the game.
Gary Player says he has the secret of golf. I know that “the secret” has been claimed many times before but never proven. But this is Gary Player. I kind of believe him.
At the Olympics last year, where Player was the South African team captain, he was on the range hitting balls, an 80-year-old marvel showing off. He took out his driver and changed the weight and face settings as much as possible to favour a hook, the miss that could bedevil Player in his prime. “Now watch,” he said. “Because what I’ve learnt about the swing, there is still no way this ball will hook. All I’ll hit will be perfect draws.”
Sure enough, with a swing still full of turn and torque, Player smashed six drives in a row. Each was a carbon copy of tightly penetrating right-to-left flight, travelling around 230 metres. As Player finished his demonstration, he turned solemn. “I’m sorry this idea came to me so late in life,” he said. “If I had found out what I know now, I would have won many more majors.”
Tellingly, Player, who is usually happy to part with his knowledge, is keeping the secret close. “I’m not ready to part with it yet,” he said.
The earth has seven natural wonders. If golf had such a designation, Gary Player would be one of them, in an exclusive club whose only other undisputed member might be Sam Snead, or possibly, if he can step up his pace a bit, Bernhard Langer (whose idol happens to be Player).
Or we could just present the now 81-year-old’s package of energy, skill,longevity and mental acuity and nominate him as the eighth natural wonder of the world.
Bu hikaye Golf Digest South Africa dergisinin April 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Golf Digest South Africa dergisinin April 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Xtreme Bob
Tales of the Wild West, Pricey Clubs and Crazy Golf Games: Pxg Founder Bob Parsons Takes Gambles That Will Make You Sweat.
Swinging Goes With His Singing
The Voice SA winner Richard Stirton turns to golf when he needs to escape the demands of the entertainment industry.
Torchbearers
In Rio,These Golfers are playing for more than a Place in History.
Loudly South African
Olympic golfer Paula Reto has only played one tournament in South Africa, but remains proudly patriotic to her land of birth.
All In
After some Fragile Moments Jason Day turns inspiration into obsession.
By The Book
Four equipment-related rules you need to know
The Class Of 97
How Tiger’s 12-stroke Win 20 Years Ago Changed The Masters + Golf
Smash Hit
HOW TO GIVE IT EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT
Split The Fairway!
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DRIVER
Wise Guy
10 secrets to better golf by europe's top coach, pete cowen