Golfing legend and Grand Slam winner Gary Player has designed more than two hundred courses around the world. In the most recent issue of Golf Digest, three of his premier designs within South Africa have been ranked within the Best 100 courses outside of America.
Heading “the big three” courses, placing 25th on the list, is Leopard Creek, a magnificent course deep in South Africa’s bushveld and bordering the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The course at Sun City that bears his name – the Gary Player Country Club, “Home of the Nedbank Golf Challenge” – also ranks within the top 30, while the site of the 2003 Presidents Cup – The Links at Fancourt – is placed just outside the top 50. Although all three courses are very different in character, they all bear the Player hallmark of quality design, great tests of golf, as well as being enjoyable for the average golfer.
Also featuring in the 2005 Golf Digest rankings were two courses designed by Player, which featured in the US state rankings – Olde York Country Club in New Jersey and Raven Golf Club in West Virginia. Internationally, in a selection of countries around the globe, Gary Player-designed courses that feature in the top five rankings include: Golden Greens in India, Ria Bintan in Indonesia, The Cascades at Soma Bay in Egypt, and Pun Hlaing, which is ranked number one in Myanmar – a newcomer on the list of golfing destinations.
Scott Ferrell, President of Gary Player Design commented: “We are extremely proud that our designs around the world have been recognized by the Golf Digest panel. While it is always a boost to be ranked, our priority is to design and build facilities that meet the exacting requirements of our clients and fit within their surroundings. Most importantly we want Mr. Player’s designs to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Gary Player Design is continuing its history of contributing to the expansion of the game globally, with current projects in Bulgaria, Korea, China, Morocco, Italy, Honduras, Poland, the Philippines, Spain, South Africa, the Dominican Republic, India and the across the United States.
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