Playing with Player

Editor Brandon de Kock says: "Think Gary Player styled by Charles Howell III."

But the tribute to South Africa's greatest ever golfer goes beyond a striking new look: "We've got so used to hearing that Gary won nine Majors, that sometimes I think we forget how amazing it is."

To this end, the November issue takes a fresh look at one of sport's most enduring characters. The result is plenty of reflection, as Player recalls some of the moments that have meant a great deal to him in his time spent in the game.

There are lighter ones - missing a cut as a result of playing with Bob Hope, the comedian proving so entertaining that Player simply couldn't concentrate - to the more serious events, such as South Africa's emergence from the dark days of apartheid.

And to complete the Player story, veteran golf writer Phillip Galgut takes to the Black Knight trail, encompassing the extraordinary range of courses that Player has is responsible for in his homeland. You've probably played a Gary Player course in South Africa, even if you didn't realise it, for his designs go beyond just The Links, Sun City and Leopard Creek.

Blue Valley, Dainfern, Pretoria Country Club, Erinvale, Goose Valley - the list is as long as it is impressive. And those are but a few of the courses Player has designed, with more on the way: look out for Mont Aux Sources in the Drakensberg, a second 18 holes at Zimbali, and the eagerly awaited Soweto Golf Club.

November's issue of Compleat Golfer, now with a print run of 31 000, is available now.