GOLF'S GOATS? IT'S AS EASY AS

Player's recipe greatness for as he turns 90

- NEIL MCLEMAN

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.

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'.