We arise to a magnificent South African morning. Breakfast is an "event" at the Player home. As we stood at the beautifully set table on the outside veranda, Pavarotti is playing over the speakers and can be heard all around the ranch. We are all quiet and inspired by Gary's love of this music. It was a great way to start the day.
After a lingering meal with lots more chatter of every variety, it's time for a private tour of the ranch by Gary. We pile in the jeep and off we go. He is very proud, to say the least, of his little corner of the world. His newest project is an 18 hole golf course. But not your average Gary Player designed course, if there is such a thing. A new age, environmentally-friendly course that requires very little maintenance, particularly where water is concerned. Each hole was quite different and uses many kinds of natural resources. Grasses of every variety, timber, stones and boulders - very unusual.
At one point, we climb to the top of one of the many (I would call them mountains) HILLS. Well, let me say...Gary RAN to the top...several hundred steps...the rest of us WALKED...slowly...and eventually we caught up with him. The view was CRAZY! You could see the whole ranch! But the most fascinating part is this...there was a tee box on the top of this "hill" AND you had your choice of two greens on which to aim and hit your ball!! How cool is that? Fascinating...just fascinating!
As we drove the course, he told us of his passion and the goal for this course. He wants to prove to other countries, like those in the Middle East, that it can be done with very little water. He is hosting those people at the ranch to prove that it can be done. And of course, HE is the man to do it!
As we tour the property, we learn that Gary has another passion (I suspect golf being the first), horse breeding. Not just any horses, but racing horses. It just so happened to be the days when the mares were foaling, I think that is how you say, having babies! On a daily basis, little baby colts were being born. We did not actually SEE the births but could visit them when they were just hours old. So CUTE! Gary was like the proud papa.
Speaking of PROUD...I would be remiss if I did not tell you all about the one thing which most, and I do mean MOST, impressed me about this couple. They LOVE America! All around the property were symbols that honor America. The most beautiful
to me is the massive bronze fountain with an eagle spreading his wings in flight located in front of one of the barns. And he was not shy about telling us his feelings regarding the current state of America. He was honest and heartfelt, and don't we all just appreciate a straight shooter?
It is time to eat again, so we drive down to the Orange River to a beautiful spot where the weeping willows hang over the water. They are just beginning to bud. It is early spring in South Africa and a wee bit cool. Here, the Players have built a serene camp-like setting where the family can dine together on a beautiful day. They both prefer to eat outside, whenever possible. Lunch is being grilled and we gather around a huge stone top picnic table that was built to seat the entire family.
I am sure that it was not easy for Vivienne in those early days, raising the kids by herself with Gary so far away. I found her to be a very lovely, sweet and sensitive woman - yet spunky. We discovered that she was quite the golfer at one time herself! But she does not play much anymore. And I can imagine that she gave him a run for his money over the years! They are both all about the love of family and giving back. It was a pleasure spending time with such a real couple. Wayne is so much like them. It has to be hard to be the offspring of famous people, but he has forged his own path and has turned out to be a really Good Guy.
We end the day with another superb dinner, lots of stories and laughs. Unforgettable!
The morning brings Pavarotti and an outdoor breakfast at the family boma up the hill from the house. It is time to say goodbye to our celebrated hosts who've made us feel like old friends. How can you thank someone so special for giving you your "once in a lifetime" experience?