“The harder you practice, the luckier you get.” These words of wisdom from Gary Player, a golf legend perfectly sum up his amazing career. Born in South Africa, the golfer worked really hard and had a huge passion for golf and now he is known worldwide for his talent. Player won many big tournaments in his era, including nine major championships, and is in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Another amazing thing about the player is that people call him “The World’s Most Traveled Athlete” because he’s been to so many places to participate in various tournaments which goes to show how dedicated he is to the game.

But his impact on golf goes beyond his playing days as he’s also designed over 400 golf courses around the world. And today, we’re going to take a closer look at three of his most notable designs that perfectly showcase his skill in crafting unforgettable golfing experiences.

1. BlackSeaRama

Imagine playing golf on a cliff top overlooking the stunning Black Sea, now enough with imagining because the place really exists. Yes, you read it right because that’s exactly what you get at BlackSeaRama in Bulgaria. Designed by the legendary Gary Player, this world-class course opened in 2008 and has been wowing golfers ever since. With its breathtaking views and challenging play, it’s no wonder BlackSeaRama has hosted some big tournaments which include the 5th Bulgarian Open Amateur Championship.

The course has 18 holes, par 72, and 6,648 meters of challenging play so, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, BlackSeaRama is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts. Gary Player’s expertise shines through in every detail, from the cleverly placed bunkers to the immaculately manicured greens.

2. Blair Atholl Golf Estate

Blair Atholl Golf Estate, designed by the legendary Gary Player, is a real treat for golf enthusiasts. Located just outside Johannesburg, this incredible course measures 8,300 yards from the back markers and features a challenging layout with fairways routed in a large anti-clockwise loop. With the Crocodile River running alongside several holes and a 150-year-old canal feeding the main dam, the scenery is breathtaking, offering stunning views and a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find on other courses. As you navigate the course, you’ll encounter a variety of challenging holes, each with its own unique character and demands. And, with a tough finish to the round, including three consecutive par fours over 500 yards, you’ll need to bring your A-game to conquer this amazing course!

3. Blue Valley

Last but not least, the Blue Valley is also another hidden gem designed by the legendary Gary Player. Located in Centurion, Gauteng, this beautiful course is part of a residential estate and features surprising elevation changes and amazing surroundings. With its unique design, Blue Valley offers a thrilling experience from the downhill 1st and 10th holes, which share an enormous green, to the tough uphill 6th hole, and the strategic 11th hole, where you’ll need to navigate a stream that splits the fairway. And don’t even get me started on the four crucial par-three holes, which require precision and skill to score well. Having hosted the South African Strokeplay Championship for amateurs in 2016, Blue Valley is definitely a course worth exploring.