Gary Player Interview - His Favourite Open Venue and Why Rory Isn't A Superstar Yet

Gary Player Interview - Listen to the views of a 9-time major champion on a range of topics

Gary Player Interview
Gary Player was speaking to GM at the Mercedes-Benz Patron’s Day at Royal Birkdale. Mercedes-Benz is an Official Patron and the Official Car of The Open.

Listen to the views of a nine-time major champion on a range of topics including the best Open venues, Rory McIlroy's putting and Tiger Woods fall from grace in this exclusive Gary Player interview

Watch the above exclusive Gary Player interview to see the opinionated views of a nine-time major champion on a range of topics including his favourite Open venues, Rory McIlroy's putting, Tiger Woods fall from grace and why he doesn't rate caddies.

Tackling a broad range of questions, Player begins by putting his support behind The Open returning to Turnberry, where it hasn't been since Tom Watson's famous final hole heartbreak in 2009. It is not due to return any time soon, with the championship going to Carnoustie in 2018, Royal Portrush in 2019 and Royal St Georges in 2020. St Andrews Old Course is also the near certain host in 2021 when The Open will celebrate its 150th anniversary, leaving Turnberry over a decade without an Open visit.

He goes on to discuss the task Rory McIlroy faces to become one of golf's all-time superstars - in Gary's eyes these are the players who have won more than six major championships.

He also shares his thoughts on the fall of Tiger Woods, laying blame on the multiple swing changes over the years, and puts his support behind the American on his road back.

The opinionated South African also discusses the chances of another big three breaking through to rival himself, Jack Nicklaus and the late Arnold Palmer and then talks about caddies, and how their role has changed so significantly over the last six decades since he won the first of his Open championships in 1959.

He rounds off his exclusive interview with Golf Monthly talking about the 2017 Masters and showing his admiration for the great sportsmanship displayed by Englishman Justin Rose during his runner-up finish to Sergio Garcia at Augusta National.

Gary Player was speaking to GM at the Mercedes-Benz Patron’s Day at Royal Birkdale. Mercedes-Benz is an Official Patron and the Official Car of The Open.

Jake O'Reilly specilaises in equipment coverage, and joined the Golf Monthly team in 2013. Before this he graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a Sports Journalism and Media degree, and worked at a number of British golf magazines. Follow Jake on Twitter @jake0reilly