Biography
Gary Player is one of the most successful international golfers of all time. Player has achieved the kind of worldwide acclaim reserved for only a handful of sporting greats. He is renowned as much for his dedication to the principles of excellence as he is for his golfing accomplishments. He is recognized worldwide as an uncompromising perfectionist who settles for nothing but the best. His impeccable set of values, stringent regimen of health and fitness and insistence on quality, have earned him admiration the world over. Famous around the globe as the Black Knight, Mr. Fitness and the International Ambassador of Golf, Gary Player is also a renowned golf course architect with over 250 design projects throughout the world. His Black Knight International includes Gary Player Real Estate, Gary Player Design and Gary Player Enterprises - aspects of which include licensing, publishing, videos, wine, apparel and memorabilia. Gary Player Stud Farm has received worldwide acclaim for breeding top thoroughbred race horses including 1994 English Derby entry Broadway Flyer. The Player Foundation built the Blair Atholl Schools in Johannesburg, South Africa which has educational facilities for over 500 students from kindergarten through grade eight. Its primary is objective to promote underprivileged education around the world. In 2008 the school celebrated its 25th anniversary with charity events in London, Miami, Shanghai and Cape Town, bringing its total of funds raised to over $30 million. Gary is also a Member of the Laureus World Sports Academy. He captained the UBS Cup with Arnold Palmer in November 2001 and 2002 and returned as Captain for the 2005 Presidents Cup held at Lake Manassas near Washington DC. Both Player and Nicklaus were nominated as Captains once again after the last match played on the Gary Player designed Links at Fancourt (South Africa) was ruled a tie between the U.S. and International teams. The two captained the Presidents Cup - for the third time in a row - when the match was played at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Canada in September, 2007. On July 23, 2009, at the age of 73, Player competed in the Senior British Open Championship at Sunningdale Golf Club, 53 years after capturing his maiden European Tour victory at the Berkshire venue.
Speech Topics
Secrets to Fitness and Aging Well
Player is a strong believer that physical fitness is a precursor to success in all of life’s endeavors – and he leads by example. Long before such terms as high intensity training and core body strength were common in locker rooms and gyms around the world, Player was working out. And he attributes much of his success, both in sport and in business, to his thoughtful fitness, health, and diet regimen. On stage, Player discusses fitness as a strategy to counteract the impact of aging, and is living proof that we can remain fit – of mind and body – at any age.
Translating Mastery in Sport into Mastery of Life
It’s how you respond to life that determines your successes, says Gary Player. Your attitude, being positive, and setting goals are all critical. The rise to the top can be a lonely game – both in sport and in business. So, he argues, it’s up to the individual to rise above and overcome any adversity that stands between them and their success. Player, who spent much of his professional career working alongside sport’s many legends, knows firsthand how preparedness, mental fortitude, and personal development can impact your trajectory. With audiences of all kinds, Player is uniquely qualified to discuss and dissect the game, and the tenacity, determination, and grit it takes to win – both in sport and in life.
Committing to Quality in Business
One of the 10 commandments Gary Player lives by: Everything in business is negotiable, except quality. This mantra is one he’s applied as a golfer during his more than 60-year career. It’s also how he conducts himself as a successful leader in golf course design, real estate services, and representing companies such as ROLEX for over 50 years. With experience on more than 400 projects in 38 countries, Player offers deep experience and a unique voice to international consulting, cooperation across borders, and a commitment to excellence. Player shares with audiences how he married his passion for golf with his business life, and the steps he takes to build long-term mutually rewarding relationships by displaying consistent integrity and credibility.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Gary Player's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Gary Player's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Gary Player for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Gary Player's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Gary Player through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Gary Player
Magic Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises, an investment conglomerate that provides high-quality products and services that focus primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities. Having left the basketball court for the boardroom, Johnson parlayed the skills and tenacity he acquired on the court into a winning formula for his successful business ventures. In his presentations, Magic Johnson inspires audiences with the story of his stunning ascent, his philosophy for success, and his vision for a bright and promising future.
Fee Range: $150,000–$300,000
Travels From: CA
Grant Cardone
Grant Cardone is an international sales training expert and New York Times best-selling author, whose books and programs have positively affected hundreds of thousands of people and organizations worldwide. Appearing regularly on Fox, Grant has also been covered on CNBC, CNN, Bloomberg Television, the Huffington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and over seven hundred radio shows nationwide. Grant also stars in his own reality TV show, “Turnaround King”, where he demonstrates how to turn businesses around and get back to prosperity despite tough economic times. Grant's unique, commonsense approach, along with his humor, wit, and infectious energy, allow him to connect with any audience, giving him the title of the "Entrepreneur of the 21st Century." With his core tenets built on the basics, Grant believes that companies and individuals succeed only through selling and that even the family unit relies on selling to improve its members' stations in life.
Fee Range: $125,000–$325,000
Travels From: FL
Jack Nicklaus
No single person has changed the face of the sport more than Jack Nicklaus—the player, the designer, the philanthropist and the good-will ambassador. When Sports Illustrated named Jack the greatest individual male athlete of the 20th century, it was noted that “His record has set the standard for golf greatness.” Why was he able to achieve such towering success? Passion for the game, dedication to excellence, confidence in his ability, and a profound respect for the game of golf. Jack, who will turned 79 on Jan. 21, was named “Golfer of the Century” or “Golfer of the Millennium” by almost every major golf publication in the world, and one of the 10 Greatest Athletes of the Century by ESPN.
Fee Range: $180,000–$280,000
Travels From: FL
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