The golfing fraternity in South Africa is mourning the loss of Vivienne Player (84), the wife of arguably the country’s greatest sporting ambassador, Gary Player.
She passed away in the United States on Tuesday after a long battle with cancer.
Vivienne Player is survived by her 85-year-old husband Gary, their six children and 22 grandchildren.
The governing body for the sport in South Africa GolfRSA wrote on its Twitter handle that it is with a heavy heart that it's learned of the passing of Vivienne Player, one of golf's biggest patrons.
“Our sincere condolences go out to her husband Gary, their children and grandchildren, family and friends,” wrote GolfRSA.
Dale Hayes, who is widely regarded as ‘Mr Golf’ in South Africa, penned a lovely tribute to Vivienne in his online newsletter.
“She was one of the great ladies in the World of Golf and Gary would be the first to acknowledge that he wouldn’t have achieved what he had, had it not been for Vivienne,” wrote Hayes.
Dale also makes special mention of the wonderful story about Vivienne that has literally become folklore. “Vivienne was a strong lady who was a superb golfer in her own right, achieving one thing that eluded Gary - she made two holes-in-one in one round at the Wanderers Golf Club.”
Vivienne was the daughter of Jock Verwey, a professional golfer, and the sister of Bobby Verwey, who won the Almeda Open in America. Her one son Wayne was also a professional golfer.
Gary Player tweeted this photo on the 14th of February 2021 calling Vivienne his "forever Valentine".
