When golf historians speak of the sport’s golden age, they invariably mention the “Big Three”: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player. Yet, this iconic trio was, in truth, a formidable “Big Six.” Their wives—Winnie, Barbara, and Vivienne Verwey—were the essential, often unsung, partners who made their husbands’ global dominance possible.
A Legacy Born on the Fairways: The Verwey Heritage
Vivienne’s connection to golf was not incidental; it was her birthright. Her father, Jock Verwey, was a respected golf professional at the Virginia Park Golf Club in Johannesburg. This family environment instilled in her a deep, natural understanding of the game’s mechanics and rhythm.
She possessed a fluid, powerful swing that hinted at a professional career of her own. The most famous anecdote of her talent involves a single, remarkable round where she recorded two holes-in-one. She nearly had a third, but the flagstick prevented the ball from dropping.
Beyond golf, she was a skilled athlete, excelling in the backstroke during swimming competitions in her youth. This competitive spirit and athletic discipline defined her approach to life. She ultimately chose family over a solo career, but her deep knowledge of the game never faded.
64 Years of Devotion: Beyond the “Black Knight”
The love story between Gary and Vivienne began when they were just teenagers. Gary Player, then only 14, spotted his future wife hitting golf balls over a fence and instantly knew his destiny. He proposed early but promised to wait until he could financially support a family.
That moment arrived in 1956 after Gary won the Ampol Tournament in Australia, earning a prize of $5,000. He sent a telegram that has since become legendary: “Buy the dress!” They married in 1957, beginning a 64-year partnership that would span the globe.
Vivienne’s greatest logistical challenge was raising their six children while Gary toured the world. She perfected the art of international travel in an era before private jets and first-class comfort. Gary often recounted stories of her hand-washing dirty diapers on long flights between South Africa and the United States.
The Silent Coach: Why Gary Only Listened to Viv
Despite his global fame, Gary Player had only two people he truly trusted for swing advice: the legendary Ben Hogan and his wife, Vivienne. This fact alone speaks volumes about her technical acumen. She could break down a complex golf swing with the precision of a professional instructor.
Vivienne’s sharp, witty personality was the perfect foil for her husband’s intense focus. She easily brushed off his constant teasing, a necessary trait in a long marriage. However, she was not above a playful counter-attack.
“When a newspaper quoted Gary saying he would ‘leave his wife for his driver,’ Vivienne responded with a classic prank. Gary returned to his hotel room to find his trusty driver wrapped in a negligee, accompanied by a note.”
The Player Family “United Nations”
Vivienne’s legacy is most visible in the vast, diverse family she helped create. She was the matriarch of a clan that Gary Player proudly referred to as a “United Nations.” This global family is a testament to her ability to manage and nurture a large, international household.
| Family Member | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gary Player | Husband | Married for 64 years (1957-2021) |
| Children | 6 | Jennifer, Marc, Wayne, Michele, Theresa, Amanda-Leigh |
| Grandchildren | 22 | A sprawling, international clan |
| Great-Grandchildren | 2+ | The legacy continues to grow |
The Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation: Her Enduring Mission
Vivienne’s compassion extended far beyond her immediate family. She was deeply involved in the charitable efforts of the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation. Her work focused on changing the lives of countless underprivileged children around the world.
Her final wish before losing her battle with pancreatic cancer was for Gary to ensure the continued success of the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School in South Africa. Gary Player has honored this promise, ensuring her philanthropic spirit lives on through the foundation’s ongoing work.
Conclusion: A Love Story of a Lifetime
Vivienne Verwey passed away in August 2021 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, but her influence remains indelible. She was the anchor for one of golf’s greatest legends, a talented athlete in her own right, and a global humanitarian.
Her life was a powerful demonstration of love, faith, and dedication. As Gary Player himself stated in his heartfelt tribute, their partnership was a “love story of a lifetime.” Her story is a reminder that behind every great figure is often an even greater, and certainly more organized, partner.
Share your favorite Vivienne Player memory in the comments below, or support the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Who was Vivienne Verwey?
- Vivienne Verwey was the wife of Hall of Fame golfer Gary Player, whom she was married to for 64 years. She was also a talented golfer herself, the daughter of professional golfer Jock Verwey, and the sister of professional golfer Bobby Verwey.
- 2. What was Vivienne Player’s cause of death?
- Vivienne Player passed away on August 18, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 85 years old at the time of her passing.
- 3. Did Vivienne Player play professional golf?
- No, Vivienne Player did not pursue a professional golf career, choosing instead to focus on raising her family. However, she was an exceptional amateur player, famously recording two holes-in-one in a single round.
- 4. How many grandchildren did Gary and Vivienne have?
- Gary and Vivienne Player had a large family, including six children, 22 grandchildren, and at least two great-grandchildren, forming what Gary often called a “United Nations” family.
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