Wayne Gary Player was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Gary and Vivienne Player. He is the one of six Player children, four girls and two boys, and grew up traveling the world with his father, the world’s most traveled athlete. He loved to watch his father play golf and interact with other players, friends, fans, and business associates. More than anything, Wayne loved to listen to his dad share his philosophy about the game and its relationship to life that focused on balancing the mind and body.
Early in his golfing career, Wayne seemed destined to further his family’s name in the game of golf. In 1979, at the age of 17, Wayne made the 36-hole cut at the British Open held at Royal Lytham. When he qualified for the 1982 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, he and his father became the first father/son duo to qualify and play in both a U.S. and British Open at the same time. Wayne went on to win several amateur and professional titles and competed in two British Opens, a U.S. Open, four British Amateurs and three U.S. Amateurs.
However, it was the life lessons learned from his father, rather than the swing lessons, that would shape Wayne’s career and personal life. He quickly realized that his own passion was not in competing, but in sharing his father’s beliefs about the game of golf and life with others. Wayne decided to dedicate his life to helping others achieve their full potential both on the course and in life.
Wayne set out first by partnering with Disney to create The Disney Institute Golf Experience. The program included both classroom and on-course instruction for over 10,000 attendees over a two-year period. From there, Wayne went on to work with several top golf instructors including David Leadbetter, Bob Toski, and Peter Kostis, and made multiple television appearances on The Golf Channel and Fox Sports Network.
Wayne’s efforts have gone well beyond the practice tee. He is best known for his tailored entertainment and travel experiences for corporate and private clients. His expert golf instruction, inspirational philosophies and captivating stories combine for an unforgettable experience, be it a simple round of golf, a weekend at a major golf event, or a week-long golf excursion to South Africa.
Wayne resides in Tequesta, Florida, with his wife Shervon and three boys, Jordan, Tyler, and Nicholas.