Gary Player Blog

With this week’s tournament host being none other than golfing legend Gary Player, we caught up with the nine-time Major Champion to find out about all things Nedbank Golf Challenge, age being just a number, his workout regime and this week’s venue, the aptly named Gary Player Country Club…

This is going to be one of the best weeks in the history of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, and being the host is something very close to my heart, and I can’t wait to keep being part of this terrific tournament. I was so thrilled when we officially teamed up with the European Tour back in 2014 to make it part of the Race to Dubai. With the field growing from five players in 1981 to today's format with 72, it just makes me proud. We have two of the 2016 Major winners competing this year in Danny Willett and Henrik Stenson. The course is just in marvellous condition as well. I told the greens keeper today how happy I was of his hard work.

This week’s venue, the Gary Player Country Club, is certainly is one of the best courses in our global portfolio which includes nearly 400 courses worldwide. As I said, the greens keeping team did a fantastic job getting the course into shape to host a European Tour event despite the drought we have been dealing with in this part of South Africa. The course is set up to make it an exciting tournament, so just sit back and enjoy!

I really wish the par five ninth hole was the finishing hole actually. It was how I envisioned it when we first set up the tournament, and we are probably going to make the switch next year. The galleries will be able to see the players from tee shot to final putt. That is going to enhance the tournament by a mile with its risk and reward finish.

Age is just a number.It really is all in the mind. I usually work out four or five times a week when I am not traveling. I make sure to stretch, work my core with crunches and sit-ups, do various dumbbell exercises, squats, heavy leg press, and I always end with sprints on the treadmill so my mind can tell my body I am still capable of running fast. You know it’s funny, I didn’t get to use the treadmill when I worked out at the Gary Player Country Club on Monday because all of them were being used. That made me proud. You don’t see that too often. You just have to keep moving.

It was special when the #81situps4Gary twitter hashtag was trending

on Twitter and a super present that was easy to give me for my 81st birthday. Well, not easy. 81 sit-ups is a lot so kudos to those who completed all 81. I had a couple of friends call and tell me they first did eight, and then one to finish it off. That gave me a good laugh.

There is so much talent in today’s professional game.

There’s definitely not a standout player like Tiger Woods was when he dominated golf for nearly a decade. Many of the players are capable of winning on any given weekend. Players like Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, Danny Willett and a host of others all have a great chances to win more Majors. There are a lot of talented youngsters that are knocking on the door, too.

In terms of my game, I averaged 70 again this year!

I love to play, and always will. It’s fun. But I make sure, and always did this in my prime, to balance my golf with time with my horses and farm, which are a huge passion of mine, and of course time with my family. My short game is sharp, and honestly if I could still hit the ball as far as the guys are hitting it today, I would sign up for The Masters tomorrow.