John Boyette

Gary Player: Golf's Global Ambassador from South Africa to Augusta John Boyette

Gary Player's golf career will come full circle in April 2012 when he joins Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus as honorary starters at the Masters Tournament. Player rose from humble beginnings in South Africa to become an international golf superstar, and his success at Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters is the highlight of his impressive career. His legacy includes 3 Masters wins, the record for most starts at the Masters and 165 worldwide wins, which includes all the Grand Slam titles on the regular tour and the senior tour.

Player has been called many things over his years in golf. His nickname the "Black Knight" pays homage to his all-black attire and corporate logo, while "Mr. Fitness" honors his devotion to diet and exercise. But "Golf's Global Ambassador" might suit him best. Player was the first international champion of the Masters Tournament, and he traveled around the globe to compete against the best and promote the game. In doing so, he inspired multiple generations of international champions, and today the game is more global than ever before.

Join Augusta Chronicle sports editor John Boyette as he highlights and celebrates Player's remarkable career with a special emphasis on his time in Augusta. Boyette shows how Player became an inspiration not only to his fellow South Africans but to golfers all around the globe.

*Includes 16pp. color insert*