Gary Player calls himself third best player in history: ‘It’s not close’

Comparing golfers from different eras, with different competition and vastly different equipment, is a fool’s errand. But that doesn’t stop us all from doing it anyway. Even the golf greats themselves can’t help but chime in. Gary Player is the latest.

The most popular debate is who should be number 1 on the all-time list, Tiger Woods OR Jack Nicklaus. But who ranks third behind Jack and Tiger is a more interesting question, with some legends in the mix.

However, if you ask the player, there is only one choice for the third best player of all time: Gary Player.

Player says Tiger Woods could be the best ever

The player, who turns 90 on Nov. 1, is among the most trusted pundits in the golf GOAT debate. He played alongside Nicklaus during Jack’s greatest achievements, and then witnessed Tiger’s entire career a step away.

And in one last interview with Palm Beach MailThe player was more than happy to reveal his final verdict on the Jack vs. Tiger. Winner: Nicklaus.

The player claimed that if Woods had made the “right choices”, he could have easily topped the list.

“If Tiger Woods had made the right choices, he would be the greatest player who ever lived,” Player told Palm Beach Mail. “But the worst statement in athletics, in sports, is if. Because if is irrelevant. It’s the end.”

In the eyes of the player, Nicklaus earns the title of GOAT for one simple reason: his superior record in major championships.

“The way I judge the greatest players of all time is to say, ‘it’s the record book.’ That’s the only way,” the player argued. “It’s the record book that’s on paper. And Nicklaus has the best record. There’s no doubt about it.”

Gary Player calls himself the no. 3 of all time

When it comes to the greatest golfer not named Nicklaus or Woods, there are a few players who get recorded more often.

Bobby Jones is one of the leading candidates. Jones ignited American interest in golf during his legendary amateur career, winning that era’s version of the Grand Slam in 1930, the only player to do so in a single year. He won four US Opens, three Open Championships, five US Amateurs and one British Amateur from 1923-1930, then founded Augusta National and the Masters.

Ben Hogan is another popular choice. Hogan secured nine majors over nine years, won the career Grand Slam and spread his gospel of golf instruction through the ages.

Arnold Palmer won only seven majors, but probably did more than any golfer to popularize the pro game.

But the player thinks he is the only choice for third best of all time.

“When they judge players … they put Bobby Jones and Arnold (Palmer) ahead of me. You can’t tell me that an amateur golfer has a record that I have in golf. (Jones’) record is nowhere near mine,” the player said. Palm Beach Mail. “You look at Arnold’s record, it’s not close to mine. I won more tournaments than Arnold. I won more tournaments than Arnold. I won more majors. My batting average was better. He didn’t have the record and he was my brother.”

However, he admitted that he didn’t mind that Palmer was often ranked ahead of him given Palmer’s immense impact on the game.

“But I like the fact, in a way, that they do it because what (Palmer) did for golf and I grew up with it, it was supreme,” the players said.

For the record, Player is definitely among the greatest of all time. He matched Hogan’s grand total of nine and won his own career Grand Slam. While Player only captured 24 PGA Tour titles, he played all over the world, amassing 159 total professional victories over decades of competition.

For him, there is no debate about the top 3 players of all time.

“Jack’s number one, Tiger’s number two, and I’m number three. There’s not even a question.”

You can read all player reviews at Palm Beach Mail here.

“>