Gary Player to Co-Host Humana Challenge

Jon Rizzi

True to his name, the 77-year-old legend continues to be a Player on the world's golf scene.

Gary Player officially became a spokesman for Humana as the health-care company and nine-time major winner announced a three-year partnership to promote lifelong well-being and healthy living through proper diet and exercise.

As a result of this new deal, Player will appear at this week’s PGA Tour Humana Challenge, scheduled for Jan. 14-20 in La Quinta, Calif.

“I look forward to a lasting, long-term relationship with Humana and the Humana Challenge,” Player said in a release.

“As a leader in the health care industry, Humana is doing a wonderful service to all those impacted by their care and health coverage. Over my 60-year golfing career, I placed great emphasis on fitness and a healthy diet and at this stage in my life, I really see the benefits of my lifelong commitment more than ever.”

At 77, Player is viewed by many as a pioneer of fitness in sports and was one of the first players to recognize the benefits of proper diet and exercise. He laid bare those benefits in ESPN: The Magazine's “Body Issue” last summer and has never deviated from his rigorous fitness routine and evangelical crusade against obesity.

Said Player: “I greatly admire the efforts and commitment of Humana and President Clinton to promote lifelong well-being, and I hope to serve as a testament to the benefits of healthy living both on and off the golf course.”