Gary Player’s legacy speaks for itself. The South African may not have had the size of some of his peers, but few can match what he accomplished in the game.
Over the course of his career, he picked up 150 professional wins, including nine major titles and 24 victories on the PGA Tour.
His ability to go toe-to-toe with American icons like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus came down to a mix of natural ability and relentless dedication.
Few can match Player’s understanding of the sport. These days, he spends much of his time passing that knowledge along to everyday golfers through various instructional videos.
If you are looking to become a more consistent ball striker, Player has just shared a new tip you might want to take notice of.
Gary Player shares new tip to amateur players
Player has been regularly offering advice to amateur golfers looking to improve, and his latest tip comes from a recent post on his official X account.
Player said: “I believe initiating the downswing by using your hips and legs is a key factor to consistent golf. Using your body correctly allows for the hands and arms to fall into the correct places naturally. So if I can give one tip for the week, rotate those hips.”
The South African legend makes a good point. The foundation of an effective swing is built on engaging the larger muscle groups, which then guides the smaller ones into proper movement.
If you are an amateur golfer hoping to lower your handicap, it might be worth giving Player’s suggestion a try. Starting your downswing with your lower body instead of your arms can help generate more power and improve ball flight, while also helping reduce slices.
Gary Player’s advice for putting on the greens
Player has also given tips to help amateur golfers cut down on three-putts, which often come from poor distance control.
“First of all, the average weekend golfer three putts a lot of times and the reason he three putts mainly is because on a putt this length, this is about the average length he hits an iron shot from.
“So he gets up and lags up and they always run five feet by, five feet short, five feet to the right, so he three putts.
“What he wants to do is practice a lot long putts. A lot of lag putts. And what you do is that you get up, you see it does not matter what stroke you use. It’s feel.
“It does not matter what stroke you use, it’s feel and getting the message to your sub conscious of how hard to hit it.
“I have seen 20 different strokes by 20 different folks who can all really putt. The best putter who ever lived is Bobby Locke.”
The South African continued: “He would put the ball on the toe, he aimed it six foot to the right. Everybody says you can’t putt that way and he was the best putter who ever lived. There is no one stroke.
“I am trying to hole it, but the thing is the average golfer should try and put it within a two foot circle around the hole. But he has obviously got to know, which very few do, if you are with the grain or against the grain or across the grain. That is where your caddie will have to help you, which is very important by the way.
“But here I am. I look at the hole. I come back. Now I look at the hole and have a practice putt but I am looking at the hole and I am practicing putting, I am imagining it, I am telling myself how hard to hit it. One more time I look at then I go ahead.”
Amateur players are likely to see better results quickly if they take these putting tips alongside his ball-striking advice.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
