Gary Player Calls Cricketing giant Sachin Tendulkar a “freak of nature”
Gary Player, one of the iconic golfers of the past, has now revealed that he has always been a big fan of the Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Player was talking to the press during his visit of India, where his company is engaged in the designing of the DLF course in New Delhi.
The 76-year-old Player has won no fewer than 165 professional titles in his blistering career and has clinched nine major titles in the course of his career.
A South African native by birth, Player has a deep penchant for Cricket, a sport introduced by the English in both India and South Africa.
Player is also one of the many sportsmen who tried their hands on several sports before finally picking up one on permanent basis.
When asked whether he is still plays cricket, Player shot back, "Of course, I do." He further added, "You should know Sachin Tendulkar is my hero. He is too good".
Player not only has great regard for Tendulkar but also considers him one of the anomalies of the sport.
The master batsman has amassed the highest number of centuries in his professional career and is also the highest scorer in the sport.
Player added, "Golf is a unique sport because it gives you a chance to play and win over a long period of time. Golfers have a bigger career span than any other sportsperson".
He continued, "You know, Tendulkar is a freak of nature to have played cricket for so long. But even he won't go beyond 40, which means he will play for about two more years".
"But in golf, you can continue playing well beyond 50. I won my last pro title at 62," he concluded.
Player also discussed several of the new facets of the sport and how the modern day world has brought about changes in it.
He remembered the times when it took him 40 hours to travel from Johannesburg to Augusta National with his kids and compared it with the players who have now personal chartered planes to fly them around the world.
He also recalled that he won $80,000 for his three Masters titles and a player pulling in the same feat today can probably earn around $4.2-million.
Player also lauded the changes that have been brought about by the ever-changing technological advancements.
He said that the equipment and golf clubs are ten times better than what they had at their disposal and the greens have now evolved in the form of snooker tables.
India is fast becoming one of the next most sought after destinations for the sport. The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is rapidly increasing its influence in the neighbouring countries in a bid to host high-profile events.
Asian Tour, as well as several of the co-sanctioned European Tour events, is scheduled on the Indian Turf.
The country is also striving to bring new breed of young and talented golfers in the limelight.
Tags: