PALM BEACH GARDENS — Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus were rivals during their heyday, and part of golf's original "Big Three," along with Arnold Palmer.

Now, Player and Nicklaus live less than 20 miles from each other — Player on Jupiter Island, Nicklaus in North Palm Beach — and remain close.

Player, who turns 90 on Nov. 1 , calls the 85-year-old Nicklaus the greatest golfer ever. Nicklaus recently said Player is golf's "global ambassador."

"He's probably traveled more miles than anybody," Nicklaus said.

Nicklaus was part of a panel at PGA National that spoke before the Oct. 27 Integra Connect Classic that benefits Conquer Cancer. "He's played more golf than probably anybody, too. He plays golf every day.

"He's a wonderful guy," Nicklaus added. "He's lived life to his fullest. He

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