He’s one of the world’s most legendary and celebrated golfers, having won more than 150 tournaments in his illustrious career, including nine majors.

But for Gary Player, no competition comes closer to his heart than the Open, a crown the 81-year-old South African has won three times.

Player is one of only five golfers in history to have won a career grand slam – the Masters, the Open, the PGA and the US Open – along with Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.

But it is the Open, the oldest of the four major championships and held this year at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport from July 20-23, that Player feels the most affection for.

“You’re fortunate enough if you win it once, but if you win it twice and again a third time, it’s a divine intervention, you are very, very blessed,” said Player.

“The Open gives you the ultimate test, one which no other championship gives you in comparison.

“Yes there are tests and severe tests [in other championships], because to win a major – that is the test and that is the great dream.

“But the Open – there’s nothing that compares to it.”

The reigning Open champion is Swede Henrik Stenson, who triumphed at Ayrshire’s Royal Troon in 2016 after finishing 20-under-par, three strokes ahead of Phil Mickelson in second, to become the first Scandinavian to win a major title.

This year will be the tenth time the tournament has been held in Southport, and the first since 2008.

And Player, affectionately known as the Black Knight for his trademark golfing attire, admitted he had a particular zest for the competition.

“I have a love affair with the [governing body] R&A, it’s something that exists in golf that appeals to me,” Player, also a three-time Masters champion, added.

“When you think about the R&A and what they’ve done as a body, [you think about] gratitude.

“This is my 62nd visit to the Open championship, and I played in 46 straight, more than anybody else.

“I can never speak highly enough of the Open.”