“Vivienne taught me the value of love, faith, and trust,” said Gary Player back in August 2021, as he lost his wife, Vivienne Player, after her prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. The former golfer was unable to express “the deep sense of sadness” he felt at that time. No matter how helpless he felt in the situation, he had to accept the truth.
Coming to 2025, things changed, and he moved forward in his life. However, the love for his wife still remains in his heart. It was evident in his recent post, where he celebrated Vivienne’s birthday with a heartwarming message. The beautiful image captures sunlight illuminating their faces as they both smile warmly.
Alongside the photo, he penned a touching and emotional birthday message. He said, “Happy birthday to my bride in heaven. Thank you for continuing to watch over our family and me. Until we meet again my sweetheart… Love, Gabs.” The message alone explains how much he loves her, even after she is not in this world anymore.
Their love story goes back to when Gary Player was just 14 years old. That’s right, at such a young Player was blessed with this wonderful feeling. However, he didn’t let his emotions take over and waited till the perfect time when he was ready to start a family with her. Fast forward to 1956, the 89-year-old won the Ampol Tournament and a $5,000 cash prize. To express his love, the legend sent her a telegram saying, “Buy the dress!” as revealed on Golf Digest.
A year after that, in 1957, they tied the knot. And just two years later, in 1959, the Players had their first child, Jennifer. One thing the Players wanted was to have a big family, and they got it. The couple together had six children, 22 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. After her passing in 2021, Player expressed his feelings on his X. “I cannot describe the deep sense of sadness I feel at having lost the one person who has always meant the world to me,” Player said in the post. A devoted wife and loving mother, she held their family together, raising six children while he chased his dreams across the globe.
Although Gary Player cherishes the memories he has of his late wife, the former golfer is also moving forward in life. And guess what? He found a new love as well.
Who is Gary Player’s girlfriend?
During the PNC Championship last year, Player said, “You’ve got to have love in your life. We’re all searching for it,” as he teed up alongside his 16-year-old grandson, Alexander Hall, at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Luckily, he too got a new love in his life at 89 years old. The story goes back to the Shell Bay Club in Miami, where he met New York native Susan Waterfall in 2024.
Although his friends tried to Waterfall for more than a year he left everything to fate and got rewarded for it. After finally meeting her, it resulted in a very cute story. “I had people around the world trying to arrange for me to meet her. Never happened for a long time,” he said. “So when I did finally get to meet her, I thought she was wonderful. So I said to her, ‘I’m looking for an American girlfriend.’ She didn’t answer me. But two days later, she came back to me and said, ‘I’d like to be your American girlfriend.’”
Interestingly, Waterfall also likes golf and is a fitness enthusiast like Player. The 89-year-old made it clear that he won’t marry anymore but also expressed the importance of companionship, believing it brings youthfulness and joy.
It’s certainly hard to move on from someone with whom you spent 64 years. However, Gary Player is also aware that he can’t mourn over it for the rest of his life. What do you think about his thoughts on love? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Gary Player Flooded With Emotions for His ‘Bride in Heaven’ Months After Golf Legend’s New Romance Was Confirmed appeared first on EssentiallySports.