Gary Player's Unwavering Dedication to Physical Conditioning at 80 Years Old

Gary Player, one of golf's greatest icons, remains fiercely driven at 80, his unwavering dedication to physical conditioning a key factor in his remarkable longevity. In a stark contrast to Rory McIlroy's more relaxed preparation, Player's punishing regime has earned him a reputation as the best-conditioned athlete in golf history. "I am 80 years old, and there are very few guys of 35 or 40 who would beat me in the gym," he proudly declares.

Key Takeaways:

• Gary Player's physical conditioning regime includes 1,300 sit-ups and pushing 300lbs with his legs daily.
• At 80, Player still outperforms many younger golfers, his conditioning allowing him to maintain a high level of fitness.
• Player's rigorous training has been ongoing for decades, with him squatting 325lbs in 1965 at the age of 32.
• Player is the only golfer to have added the senior grand slam to the main-tour equivalent, a feat he identifies as his finest achievement.
• Player estimates he has traveled more than 15 million air miles, breaking a record for the most traveled human on the planet.
• Despite having made significant sacrifices, including time away from his family, Player believes his hard work has been rewarded, allowing him to flourish beyond the age of 50.

Statistics:

• Player has 111 PGA Tour victories, the most of any non-American golfer.
• Player has won 164 tournaments worldwide, including 17 majors.
• Player has played in over 900 professional golf tournaments.
• Player is the only golfer to have won the senior and main-tour grand slams.
• Player has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, the PGA Tour's Hall of Fame, and the National Black Golf Hall of Fame.