83-year-old famous golfer shares golf, fitness tips in UAE

Abu Dhabi - Gary Player is one of the world's greatest golfers and one of only five in the modern era to have won the Career Grand Slam.

At the ripe old age of 83, Gary Player swings his golf club as good as any other pro at the Saadiyat Golf Beach Club in Abu Dhabi. Player is one of the world's greatest golfers and one of only five in the modern era to have won the Career Grand Slam - apart from Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

The South African held the fourth Gary Player Invitational, a charity golf series, in Abu Dhabi with the proceeds going to the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs.

'Mr. Fitness' of golf held an informative and lively clinic for the children of determination from the Zayed Higher Organisation.

"I have seen you last time," the octogenarian said, pointing to a child. He stunned everyone by balancing two clubs between his two fingers.

Player told kids that, in most sports events, the strength comes from the abdomen, hips and thighs.

"Where do you see more muscles, in your forearm or thighs? People think power comes from having a strong forearm but they are wrong."

Apart from giving tips on golf, Player's main aim is to spread awareness about the need for exercise and its health benefits.

"I was a very poor boy. I suffered a lot as a young kid. So I have a great sense of appreciation and gratitude," he told Khaleej Times in an exclusive chat.

Fitness tips for UAE schools

Player travels a lot and has a great insight into culture, tradition, religion and, importantly, people of places he visits.

"People take health for granted. There's probably three per cent of the world that's worried about exercise and eating properly. You take Dubai and here, the young people are riddled with diabetes. They play on smartphones and don't work out. Every school should make children walk around the school twice as they come in the morning. At break, walk around the school again, and before they go home, walk around the school twice. It should be compulsory."

Player reveals health secret

"I work out four times a week. I do thousands of sit-ups. I run on the treadmill. I do all weight-training exercises. But the big secret is to undereat and exercise. The less you eat, the longer you live. People think the more you eat the better you are. Look at this country alone, diabetes is prolific. It is one of the most serious diseases today."

'UAE is best place to live'

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com