By Rick Horrow and Karla Swatek
August 30, 2013
With 15 million miles and counting, the world’s most-traveled athlete is Golf Hall of Famer Gary Player. Player has flown nearly every airline in the world, and has spent the equivalent of three years of his life on planes. An international ambassador for the sport of golf, Player has won tournaments on six of seven continents, with Antarctica the lone exception. He’s made a point to visit as many different countries as possible in order to help grow the sport.
A lot has changed in the travel industry since Player first turned pro in 1953. For instance, it’s much easier for golfers to play more events around the world. In his early years, Player, who’s from South Africa, had to take six flights just to get from Johannesburg to New York. Now he can make the transatlantic trip non-stop. His extensive travels and designation as the first truly international golfer have made Gary Player a figure and brand that resonates with golfers around the world from all walks of life.
