Items such as the 1974 Masters winner’s trophy, auctioned for more than half a million dollars, have been sold or attempted to be sold by them
Just a few days ago, Gary Player claimed the title of the golfer who has hit the most balls in the world, after ensuring that he has hit 15 million balls during his lifetime. This figure was calculated by a computer program based on various parameters, such as the fact that he has played for 73 years of his 87 years.
There is no doubt that the winner of nine majors has had to deal with more delicate matters in recent years, something that has recently come to light.
In May, he filed a lawsuit against his son, Marc Player, and in November, he filed one against his grandson, Damian Player.
He alleges that he both sold and attempted to sell some trophies and equipment during his professional career, in violation of an agreement that required them to be returned to their owners. In fact, the South African champion had entrusted his trademark rights to his son Marc, with whom he managed part of his legacy and estate, so he auctioned some highly sought-after items.
A settlement agreement ended Player’s business relationship with his son in 2019, but much of his memorabilia was sold at auction in 2021 against his wishes. In addition to his 1974 Masters winner’s trophy, which sold for 523,483 dollars, a trophy from the South African Open (48,841 dollars), his 1965 US Open irons (17,947 dollars) and his Masters shoes (1,171).
The judge will order in the next few days an order that will stop further sales, despite the fact that we are just at the beginning of a judicial process, according to Damian Player’s lawyer.
