Gary Player from South Africa, a nine-time major winner, captured the PGA Championship in 1962 and 1972 and made an impressive run for a third crown in 1984 at age 48, finishing second to Lee Trevino.
In 1972, at Oakland Hills Country Club outside Detroit, Player recovered from bogeys at 14 and 15 to make one of the most memorable shots in tournament history: a 9-iron approach on No. 16 from about 150 yards that went over trees and a lake to within about four feet of the pin. He converted the birdie putt to win by two strokes.
With this year’s event starting on Thursday at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., Player, 88, recently reflected on what the PGA meant to him.
The following conversation has been edited and condensed.
Was the shot at 16 the best shot you ever made?
No. The best shot I ever fired was in the [1968] British Open [at Carnoustie in Scotland.] The wind is blowing like crazy and I’m playing with Jack Nicklaus. I take the 3-wood [on No. 14] and knocked him inches from the hole.
Another example was the second trick on 17 at the 1974 Masters.
My caddy said to me when I arrived [at the ball], “I need a roof on my house.” I said, “We’re going to get you a roof this week.” When I hit the 9 iron, I simply grabbed the club, tossed it gently toward the bag and said, “We don’t even need a putter.” It was inches behind the hole.
What do you remember about the 1962 PGA at Aronimink Golf Club in Philadelphia?
Bob Goalby and I had a great fight until the end. They made me an honorary member and I go to Philly for a month every year and play a lot with the members.
Would the 1984 PGA Championship have been a great win for you?
Yes, that would have been it. At that stage, Julius Boros [also 48] was the oldest man to win a major and still was until Phil Mickelson [at age 50 in the 2021 P.G.A.].
Do you think the PGA gets enough respect among the four majors?
I rate the British Open #1, the United States Open #2, the PGA #3 and the Masters #4.
Do you think the PGA is more important than the Masters?
Yes I do.
Many people consider the PGA to be the least important major. Why do they believe that?
I don’t know why. First of all, it’s the toughest field in golf. That’s pretty significant, when you beat the best field in golf. And I’m a professional golfer. The PGA of America made my dream come true. Not just mine, but everyone who plays.
What do you think of Scottie Scheffler’s current run of winning four tournaments since early March, including the Masters?
Fantastic. He’s a very nice man. He has a perfect golf swing. He puts all his weight on the left side and that’s the most important thing. He does that better than others.
Do you think the game is better off with a dominant player?
What happens when you have people dominating is you get massive coverage. When you look at the coverage that Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and I got for the tour, it’s incredible. Not just here, but worldwide. There’s always someone who comes along and dominates, and I think that’s very important.
When you play with friends, do you love the game as much as ever?
People say to me, “How much do you play?” I say, “Four to five times a week.” And if that doesn’t tell you how much I love it, I don’t know what does. I love going out with my friends. I love playing with juniors. I could play every day.
How is your game these days?
I average par. I’ve beaten my age thousands of times. Trevino says to me, ‘What’s so good about that? You [can] shoot 16 over par to beat your age. If you reach 100 and beat your age, I will praise you.”
