The older brother of Gary led a fascinating life until his passing this week at 87, most notably credited with helping to save the rhino population of South Africa from almost certain extinction. Less significant to the world but more interesting for golf was his role in convincing brother Gary to exercise.
From Douglas Martin's excellent New York Times obituary.
Ian Cedric Player, the son of a gold miner, was born in Johannesburg on March 15, 1927. He laid the foundation for the famed physical fitness of his brother, Gary, who was eight years younger, by making him climb a rope and lift weights. “He made me promise I would exercise for the rest of my life,” Gary Player told Golf World magazine in 2013.