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Gary Player shares Ben Hogan’s crucial advice that every golfer should follow

Originally posted on HITC | By James Shearman | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 6:13 PM ET

Gary Player remains one of the most respected voices in golf.

The nine-time major winner has seen the game evolve across generations, but he still looks back to the lessons shared by legends before him.

And one piece of advice from Ben Hogan has stuck with him more than most.

It is a simple idea, but one that challenges how many golfers think about the game.

Gary Player shares Ben Hogan advice on hitting the ball straight

Player highlighted a famous quote from Hogan that goes against what many amateurs are taught.

“Any time you hit a straight shot, it’s a fluke. You got to either draw or fade the ball. Don’t ever try to hit it straight.”

Ben Hogan said, “Any time you hit a straight shot, it’s a fluke.” You got to either draw or fade the ball. Don’t ever try to hit it straight. You can stand on the practice tee and hit 30 balls, if you hit 10 straight, you’re doing pretty well. But if you follow your swing, you… pic.twitter.com/PuAxK3gX22
— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) March 31, 2026

The message is clear. Rather than chasing perfection, golfers should focus on consistency and understanding their natural ball flight.

Hogan believed that trying to hit the ball perfectly straight was unrealistic, even for elite players.

“You can stand on the practice tee and hit 30 balls, if you hit 10 straight, you’re doing pretty well. But if you follow your swing, you can draw or fade all 30.”

It is a mindset that encourages players to trust their swing and shape shots, rather than fighting against them.

Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images

Gary Player explains why modern golf is difficult to compare with past eras

Player also reflected on how much the game has changed since his prime.

“One of the main differences of the game today compared to my prime is the equipment.”

That evolution, he believes, makes it difficult to compare players across generations.

“That’s why it is so difficult to compare players of different eras; it’s a different game.

“Equipment advances have improved the game for every golfer, including myself, as I would not have been able to play at the level I do today if the equipment had not advanced as it has. And for that, I am thankful.”

While the fundamentals of the game remain, the tools players use have transformed performance at every level.

Player’s reflections show how golf continues to evolve and why lessons from figures like Hogan still hold their value today.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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