Join the Club by John Patrick: Tales of the later Player
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When you dig down into any family’s dynamics, it can get messy. You don’t have to dig that deep to see just how messy Gary Player’s family dynamics are.
Everyone knows Gary’s history. One of the greatest to ever play the game of golf. A three-time Masters winner. A multiple major champion on both the regular and Senior tours. Listen to him talk and no one has traversed the globe as often as Gary to play and promote the game. He has, for the last ten years, been one of the honorary starters at the beginning of each Masters. He was in the inaugural World Golf Hall of Fame class fifty years ago.
Gary was married to the love of his life, Vivienne, until her passing three years ago. Together they had six children: two boys, Marc and Wayne and four daughters, Jenniefer, Michele, Amanda and Theresa. But as he finds himself turning 90 next year, his legacy is being tarnished by some members of his family. Ok, the boys.
Because it’s family business, we don’t know everything that has taken place, nor should we. But more and more, his family’s business is becoming, unfortunately, more and more public.
The latest unfortunate business are the reports that some of the trophies from his illustrious career are on the auction block, and according to reports, not by his choosing. Last week, the replica jug he got for winning the 1974 Open Championship was auctioned off for nearly $500,000. It’s reported that Player is taking legal action in the matter. That legal action will be against his son Marc.
Now it is at this point in this column that I should point out that I’ve had numerous interactions with Mr. Player and his representatives. So much so, that I’ve been invited to his home during Masters week. He has his issues, he is at times for me, a bit much as a self-promoter. But I cut him some slack in that department as his career earnings were a measly $250,000. If you finished seventh in the PGA tournament last weekend, you surpassed Gary’s career earnings. And did I mention he’s turning 90 next year? He has certainly made his share of money over the last 40 years, but it pales in comparison to what players on the PGA Tour are making now. There was a time, a few years back, when he made the decision to allow his son Marc to handle the family business. That’s the moment things began to go downhill. It wasn’t long before Gary began to express displeasure with how Marc was handling things. Marc dismissed his long-time representative and began keeping his cards close to his vest. Over the last ten years there are stories that Marc has been using his father’s name and goodwill to line his pockets and at times putting that name and goodwill to the test.
Marc is not alone in embarrassing his father. His other son Wayne, who I’ve had on my golf show, has also had his troubles. From questionable business deals to getting banned from Augusta National for a stunt he pulled a few years ago while caddying for his father at the honorary starters’ ceremony.
Gary seems to have done a lot over the last few years to regain control of his name, hardware, and legacy. He’s been doing it with the help of his daughters and others, and while still mourning the loss of the woman he loved for more than 60 years. This latest story, however, seems to indicate he has a ways to go. I don’t know how much time is left, but I wish him the best.
