Memorabilia Squabble Leads to Gary Player ‘Reluctantly’ Suing His Son and Grandson

After years of disputes over the selling of his memorabilia, nine-time major winner Gary Player has filed suit against both his son, Marc, and grandson, Damian, in a Florida court.

According to Player’s attorney, Stuart Singer, the South African golf legend ended a business relationship with Marc Player in 2019. The dispute was over who owned the memorabilia Player, 87, had collected during his illustrious career.

Singer said:

“Only with the greatest reluctance and after many years of trying to avoid this did Gary have to enforce his rights in this way.”

Gary Player sues son, grandson over memorabilia dispute with ‘great’ reluctance https://t.co/YC8ve2vJsq

— Golfweek (@golfweek) December 22, 2022

Marc served as Gary’s manager for nearly 20 years, and many of the golfer’s trademarks and likenesses were handed over to the son during that time. Gary then revoked those rights in 2019 when the business deal fell apart.

Since then, Singer said that Marc Player sold several pieces of merchandise against the wishes of his father, including the 1974 Masters trophy for over $500,000, and a South African Open trophy for nearly $50,000.

Speaking in defense of Marc Player, attorney Darren Heitner said that those items were given to him by his parents decades ago, stating, “You cannot take back what no longer belongs to you.”

The lawsuit also includes grandson Damian over a claim that he solicited buyers for memorabilia kept in a South Carolina storage facility and also was allegedly involved in selling many of his grandfather’s Rolex watches to a buyer in Florida.

Despite his age, Player is still active on the golf course—seen just last week with Lee Trevino at the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida.

“I can eat soup with this!” 😂

Lee Trevino was in awe of Gary Player’s 65 degree wedge @PNCChampionship. pic.twitter.com/sRE06M7JK5

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) December 17, 2022

Singer, the attorney for Gary Player, said that he hopes filing the lawsuit will lead to the resolution of these issues.

Cover Image Via Bunkered