Staff WriterGary Player, the game’s most renowned international ambassador, has been named the fourth recipient of the Robert Trent Jones Society’s Legacy Award, a fitting tribute to his enduring influence on the sport.
The award recognises a lifetime devoted to the growth of golf, a fitting accolade for Player, who has secured over 160 wins in a career spanning seven decades.
Player’s name joins a distinguished list of Legacy Award winners—Al Geiberger, Lee Trevino, and Hollis Stacy—each a testament to the power of dedication and excellence in golf.
But it’s Player’s Grand Slam triumph, sealed with his 1965 U.S. Open win at Bellerive in St. Louis—a Robert Trent Jones Sr. original design and a society member—that underscores his unique place in golf’s rich history.
“Bellerive is sacred soil,” Player said, reflecting on the course that completed his career Grand Slam—a feat only matched at the time by Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan, and more recently by Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
“I prepared for that Open like no other,” Player added, his words a testament to his relentless spirit.
In accepting the award, Player also paid tribute to RTJ Sr. and his sons, noting their tireless efforts in shaping some of the world’s most iconic golf venues.
“Mr. Jones had a tremendous work ethic well into his 90s,” Player recalled, weaving in stories of playing alongside legends like Sarazen and Hogan.
The award’s presentation was marked by heartfelt words from David Leigh, President of the Robert Trent Jones Society.
“The Legacy Award was established in Mr. Jones’ name to honour individuals whose lifetime is committed to expanding the game we all love.
It is with great pleasure that we honour Mr. Player for his countless contributions to the game, on and off the course,” Leigh said.
For those keen to hear Player’s stories firsthand, the Society has shared a video interview capturing his reflections and memories from that historic week at Bellerive.
The Robert Trent Jones Society itself is built on the principles that RTJ Sr. championed—modern construction techniques, a passion for environmental stewardship, and course designs that challenge and inspire players of all levels.
From Hazeltine to Firestone and The Broadmoor, Jones’ legacy is etched into the fairways of some of the game’s most revered venues.
As Player accepts this latest accolade, his legacy as a tireless promoter of the game, a champion of fitness, and a philanthropist is firmly cemented.
His efforts have not just lifted trophies but also raised millions for cancer research and educational initiatives for underprivileged youth.
In the words of Robert Trent Jones himself, “If I am to be remembered, I hope it is not just for the golf courses I built but for the other contributions as well to the game I love, to the game that has been my life.” Gary Player, without question, has embodied that spirit every step of the way.
