Gary Player: ‘I became a champion because I knew what it was to suffer’

The South African on his lonely childhood, his first Open, his heroes on and off the course ... and why he believes Tiger, Seve and Mickelson got a little lucky

Hello, Mr Player! Let’s get right down to brass tacks: the Open or the Masters? Without a doubt, I choose the Open. No disrespect to the Masters, which I love, but the Open Championship is the oldest and most historic professional golf tournament in the world. I love links golf courses. You can run the ball up, you can hit it high, you can draw or fade it. That’s why the Open is the most important tournament. By far. It tests your balls!

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