Charles Barkley Reveals His Respect for Gary Player With a Nelson Mandela Anecdote: ‘It Was One of the Greatest Things of My Life’

Former NBA star Charles Barkley is an avid golf fan. Notably, he has been playing golf regularly since his retirement and is famous for having an unorthodox swing. In fact, he has even competed with professional golfers at charity and pro-am events and has impressed everyone with his game. However, his golf swing was slightly unconventional, which garnered some unwanted attention.  

Speaking of his time on the course, Charles recently revealed an anecdote involving golf legend Gary Player and we can’t get over it.  

Charles Barkley reveals his playing experience with Gary Player

Back in the day, Charles Barkley wanted to meet the legendary South African and Jack Nicklaus. “I really wanted to meet Gary Player, and I got a chance to play golf with Mr. Player,” he said. Charles also revealed that he always called them Mr. Player and Mr. Nicklaus, and not Gary or Jack. 

Watch This Story: Golf in Paradise: Enjoy the Most Breathtaking Pictures From the 2022 Sentry Tournament of Champions

To his surprise, he once found out that Gary Player wanted to play golf with him. “It was one of the greatest things of my life,” said Charles. He even revealed that Gary told him about the time he was with Nelson Mandela once. “Hey, stop right there,” said Barkley. “That was like those are heroes to me. And like, you know, Mr. Player, he just can’t say, Hey, I was hanging out with Nelson Mandela one day and just keep going on to the next thing.” 

Evidently, Charles Barkley is a huge fan of Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. He also revealed that he recently met Mr. Nicklaus and claimed it was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Furthermore, Gary Player and Charles Barkley met and had a round of golf for the first time in October 2020. Notably, Charles Barkley wore the iconic black outfit identical to the legend Gary Player.  

Read More – Steph Curry on Tiger Woods and His Son: ‘You Get Goosebumps Thinking About That. Charlie’s Got That Look in His Eye, Like What Golf Means to Him..’