Years ago Gary Player was in Tampa for an exhibition at Palma Ceia Golf Club. At the time, he was one of the truly Big Three of golf, with Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus.

A trademark was his fitness - his daily workouts, weightlifting, pushups, many situps - as well as his wearing black. He declared black made him stronger, too, as has Johnny Cash since. I asked Player if the black thing was true. He was always accommodating and has told young golfers never to decline to answer a question. He said to follow him. I did, into the dressing room. He began to undress. Took off his black long-sleeved form-fitted knit shirt, black trousers, black shoes and socks, all down to his black undershirt and shorts.

“See, Tom? And I am convinced it gives me strength.”

Must. At 72 (born Dec. 1, 1935) this wonderful man and golfer and leading worldwide diplomat for his sport (and for his homeland of South Africa, which has not always been easy), is at the Augusta National he loves, readying to play in his 51st Masters. Compare your age to that and go figure. Neat, isn’t it? Won’t win, won’t make the 36-hole cut, but those of us who have a gray hair or two can hold for another year. For old times.

I mean his 51st Masters? Dang! Beats Arnold Palmer, his pal, when he tees off Thursday. “Boggling,” said Ian Woosnam, noting he’s 50 years of age and this is Player’s 51st tournament. Oh, I was there covering the three Masters he won, notably in 1978 when he started the final round seven strokes back of Hubert Green, then shot a 34 on the front nine and a 30 on the back, including a downhill 20-footer on the 18th for a great win.

I was there. The place went nuts. So did Player, as nuts as he can go. Threw the ball, raised his arms, jumped about a bit, and why not? But quickly he would return to his controlled self, this man whose career would also include three British Opens and a U.S. Open, plus three PGAs. During his formative professional years, he traveled with a wife and six children, the entourage needing five taxis, considering the luggage. Four of the kids were girls.

But Player and so many other international greats truly appreciated the Masters and its grandeur, as well as its sources, such as Bobby Jones, Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Clifford Roberts, Jack Nicklaus and Palmer. He played his way into tat crowd.

Along the way, he has become a leader for the economy of South Africa. He is a rancher, cow puncher, breeder of fine thoroughbreds, designer of golf courses worldwide and a diversified businessman. And now, Gary Player has a unique marketing and public relations proposition - his own slick magazine. The name: Player. What else?

And Player, for the record is good. The owner’s stable of financial supporters advertise. Rolex is on the back cover, with Player himself, Palmer and Nicklaus pictured, wearing the watch. There’s a story, too, telling of their visit to headquarters in Switzerland.

There are delightful photo spreads courses designed by Player, of his ranch, of his 25-year sponsorship of an African school for kids, of whiskey, of brandy, of the beauties of Abu Dhabi, focusing on the golf there with Tiger Woods who plays so often, on Gorgongosa with Greg Carr and a pledge to return Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique to old form. It’s a neat magazine, and a fine idea for Player. The piece on Scotch whiskey is mouth-watering.

Finally — though it is too late — the Player quarterly had a deal. You could join his group by getting there. He’ll have tickets, estate places to stay, housekeeping service, transportation, dinner with him most of the time, providing he doesn’t miss 36-hole cut, souvenir clothes, drinks, hospitality tent at Augusta National, and so on for $29,495 each. But, hey guys, it’s too late.

Sorry.

Maybe next time. Player will be playing in his 52nd then, and be only 73.

You know he’ll be there.