The Black Knight's New Chapter: 5 Surprising Facts About Gary Player's Girlfriend, Susan Waterfall

The legendary "Black Knight" of golf, Gary Player, has once again captured the world's attention, not for a hole-in-one, but for a heartwarming new chapter in his personal life. As of December 14, 2025, the 89-year-old icon has openly confirmed his relationship with Susan Waterfall, an 83-year-old New York-based widow, proving that the search for love and companionship has no expiration date. This fresh, unexpected romance comes four years after the passing of his beloved wife, Vivienne, and has sparked immense curiosity among fans about the dynamic woman who now stands by the nine-time Major winner. This relationship is a powerful reminder that the best chapters in life can often be the ones written latest. Susan Waterfall is far from a typical partner; she is a distinguished pianist, an educator, and a former finance executive with a fascinating background that perfectly complements the energetic and passionate life of the South African golf legend. Their shared interests in physical fitness, the arts, and a zest for life have formed the foundation of a bond that has quickly become one of the most talked-about stories in the world of sports and celebrity.

The Dual Life of Susan Waterfall: A Complete Biography

Susan Waterfall is a woman of remarkable intellect and varied professional achievements, spanning the worlds of classical music and high finance. Her biography reveals a life dedicated to the arts, education, and strategic business.

• Full Name: Susan Waterfall
• Age: 83 or 84 (as of late 2024/early 2025)
• Hometown: New York, New York, USA
• Primary Profession: Concert Pianist and Music Educator
• Educational Background: Attended the University of Michigan, where she studied piano, music history with Glenn Watkins, philosophy, and Asian Studies.
• Career in Arts: She is known for providing lively and insightful cultural contexts for her classical music programs, often combining performance with educational commentary. She has also produced biographical films and presentations on major composers.
• Career in Finance: She previously held a significant corporate role as the Director of Marketing and Investor Relations at Morgens, Waterfall, Vintiadis & Company.
• Marital Status: Widow (prior to her relationship with Gary Player)
• Current Partner: Gary Player (Professional Golfer)
• Shared Interests: Golf, physical fitness, and opera/classical music.

The Unexpected Romance: How Gary Player and Susan Waterfall Connected

The story of how the golf legend and the New York pianist met is a testament to the idea that true connection can happen at any stage of life. After the profound loss of his wife, Vivienne Player, in 2021—his childhood sweetheart and partner of 64 years—Gary Player was vocal about the difficulty of life without his soulmate.

The unexpected introduction to Susan Waterfall provided a new source of companionship and joy. Player, known for his incredible vitality and commitment to fitness, found a kindred spirit in Waterfall, who also maintains an active and engaged lifestyle. Their bond was reportedly strengthened by their mutual appreciation for high culture, particularly opera and classical music, which is a key part of Waterfall's professional life.

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In a rare public glimpse into his personal life, Gary Player happily confirmed the relationship, even jokingly referring to his new partner as his "young" girlfriend, despite the fact that she is in her mid-eighties. The couple made a notable appearance together at the 2024 PNC Championship, where Player was seen with his grandson, further solidifying the public knowledge of their partnership.

5 Fascinating Details That Define Their Dynamic Partnership

The relationship between Gary Player and Susan Waterfall is unique, not just for the age at which they found each other, but for the distinct elements that make their connection so strong. Here are five surprising facts that define their bond:

1. She is a Highly Accomplished Classical Pianist and Educator

Susan Waterfall's primary identity is rooted in the world of classical music. She is not merely a hobbyist; she is a professional concert pianist and a dedicated educator. Her work often involves creating cultural contexts for her musical programs, making the experience both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. This deep involvement in the arts provides a rich counterpoint to Player's life in professional sports, enriching their shared cultural experiences.

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2. She Has a Significant Background in Wall Street Finance

Before, or perhaps concurrent with, her artistic pursuits, Waterfall held a high-level position in the financial sector. She served as the Director of Marketing and Investor Relations at Morgens, Waterfall, Vintiadis & Company in New York. This dual-career path highlights a rare combination of artistic sensitivity and sharp business acumen, giving her a unique perspective that few partners of a global sports icon possess.

3. Player Joked About Her Wealth and His "Young" Girlfriend

In a characteristic moment of candidness, Gary Player has openly discussed the relationship. One of the most-cited details is his playful boast about his new partner, calling her "very rich" and referring to her as his "young" girlfriend, despite the minimal age gap. This lighthearted transparency reflects the comfort and joy he has found in this new companionship. The golf legend, known for his intense focus on health, has always believed in the importance of love throughout life, stating that "one can't go through life without love."

4. They Share a Passion for Fitness and Longevity

Gary Player is famously one of the most physically fit athletes in history, even well into his late 80s, adhering to a rigorous fitness regimen and diet. Susan Waterfall shares this commitment to an active lifestyle. This mutual dedication to physical well-being is a crucial element of their dynamic, allowing them to enjoy their golden years together with energy and vitality. Their shared interests extend beyond fitness to include golf, which is a natural fit for Player's world.

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5. The Relationship Follows Player's Profound Loss

The context of this new romance is deeply rooted in the memory of Vivienne Player, who passed away in 2021. Gary Player and Vivienne were married for 64 years, a legendary partnership that began in childhood. The decision to find love again at age 89 is a powerful, life-affirming statement. It underscores the belief that while the memory of a great love remains, the human heart is resilient and capable of opening up to new, equally meaningful connections. Susan Waterfall represents a beautiful, second chapter for the "Black Knight."

The Legacy and Topical Authority of Gary Player's Personal Life

Gary Player's professional legacy as one of the "Big Three" of golf, alongside Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, is undisputed. However, his personal life, particularly his long marriage to Vivienne and now his relationship with Susan Waterfall, adds a layer of topical authority to his story. The narrative of finding love in later life resonates with a massive audience, transcending the world of professional golf.

Entities like the PGA Tour, The Masters, The Open Championship, and the PNC Championship are central to Player's career, but entities such as New York society, classical music, opera, financial markets, longevity, and widowhood are now woven into his narrative through Susan Waterfall. This blending of the athletic and artistic worlds creates a richer, more compelling story about one of the sport's greatest figures. The attention given to this new chapter confirms that the "Black Knight" remains a figure of global fascination, both on and off the course.