Gary Player featured in 'Body Issue' of ESPN The Magazine

ESPN The Magazine announced that legendary golfer Gary Player will be featured in the lineup of athletes for their annual "Body Issue." At age 77, Player, who is widely regarded as a pioneer in sports fitness and Golf's Global Ambassador, will be the oldest athlete in the feature's five-year history. The Body Issue celebrates the best bodies across the world of sports and will be released on July 12.

"Fitness has been a passion, a way of life and one of the keys to my success in golf," said Player, who has won 165 golf championships worldwide, including nine Majors. "When ESPN approached me with this unique opportunity to show off my body that has served me so well over my 60 year career, I agreed in the hopes that it would be inspiration for others to live well."

The Black Knight went on to say he was "honoured to do so."

Player will appear in the 2013 edition along with 20 other professional and amateur athletes across a number of sports. This year's subjects include San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, 2008 and 2012 Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings, Washington Wizards' star John Wall, Marlins' slugger Giancarlo Stanton, NHRA funny car driver Courtney Force and professional soccer player Sydney Leroux.

"Being included in this magazine along with some of today's young superstar athletes has been an enjoyable experience," said Player. "I hope my appearance demonstrates the importance and value of maintaining your body and making a lifelong commitment to staying fit and healthy."

For more information about ESPN The Magazine's fifth annual "Body Issue," visit ESPN.com/BodyIssue. For more information about Gary Player, visit GaryPlayer.com.

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