I’m honored to have an interview with Gary Player, one of golf’s greatest champions. As one of the “Big Three” of golf’s golden era (with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer), he helped launch golf as a major international sport. He built a reputation of being fearless on the course and steely on the greens. His new book, Don’t Choke is his look at what it takes to achieve success when the pressure is on. While Player explains how and why he became a champion and what it takes to win in big-time golf, he also emphasizes how learning to cope in pressure situations can help anyone.

Player has had a long successful career in business since his playing
days. His book gives a personal glimpse into the mind of a champion and
offers lessons to everyone who faces pressure. Below is some advice and
lessons that everyone can learn.

What important lessons do you discuss in your book?  Patience, the
understanding that everyone fails at some point and the key to failure
is to learn from it. And the power of positive thinking. The mind is so
important both on and off of the golf course and once you learn to
master your attitude your body will follow.

Has success has changed you as a person?  No. I grew up with very little
and knew what it meant to want more. I never forgot what it felt like
so when I reached the success that I did, my upbringing always kept me
grounded. I have never forgotten to give back to those in need.

How do you manage to prioritize your many responsibilities and continue
to live such a balanced life?  It’s not easy, but the great thing is
that I am doing what I love. Our golf course design business has over 60
active projects around the world. I still enjoy traveling to different
countries and learning about their history, customs and religions. The
work we are doing for at risk children across the world through The
Player Foundation is extremely important to me. We have raised more than
$30 million. Our goal is to reach $100 million. I spend a lot of time
on my farm in South Africa with my horses. That is my nirvana.

Do you have any health advice?  Eat a proper diet, exercise regularly
and take your health seriously. The problem of obesity is growing
and children and their parents just do not understand how to eat
properly. The amount of fatty, sugary foods that children eat is
frightening. We must educate children, parents and schools about the
need to treat your body like temple.

With so many accomplishments, which do you think is the most important?
It is difficult for me to point to one single accomplishment. On the
course, winning the Grand Slam on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour was
very important for me. Off of the course I am extremely proud of the
school we built at Blair Atholl to help children in need.  

What do you most want to be remembered for?  For being a good father,
husband and grandfather. For giving back to those in need. For
spreading LOVE.

Who has had the most influence on you in your life? There were many
people who influenced my life, but my family had the greatest impact.  I
have always admired Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Gandhi, Mother
Theresa and the Dali Lama.

If you could teach one thing to make a difference in someone’s life,
what would it be? To learn about the power of positive thinking. I have
always maintained a positive attitude about life and that has probably
been the most important factor in my success. Love, forgiveness and
patience are all critical attributes to have.
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Gary Player lives by the principles he imparts to others. His focus on
giving back for his blessings reflects in his success. Check out his new
book, Don’t
Choke, for more life lessons.

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