GOLF'S GOATS? IT'S AS EASY AS

GARY PLAYER has marked turning 90 today by declaring himself the third-best player of all time - and revealing the secrets of his plan to live to 100.

- BY NEIL MCLEMAN

The South African was the only non-American to complete the career Grand Slam of Majors until Rory McIlroy joined the exclusive six-man club at the Masters this year. The Black Knight won nine Majors - the same as Ben Hogan - and is joint fourth on the all-time list behind Jack Nicklaus (18), Tiger Woods (15) and Walter Hagen (11).

But Player has declared his friend Nicklaus is the GOAT ahead of his fellow American superstar Woods - and then he comes next.

"Jack is No.1, Tiger No.2, and I'm No.3," said Player. "There's not even a question. How I judge the best players of all time is I say, 'There's the record book'.

"That's the only way. It's the record book that's on paper. And Nicklaus has got the best record. There's no question.