Gary Player commands respect with inspirational talk about new golf course

World Golf Hall of Famer talks about his short course, set to open later this year.Jim Connell/News-Leader

HOLLISTER – When you’ve got a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame in the Ozarks, you better pay attention.

When it’s Gary Player, one of the all-time greats in the sport, you don’t have a choice.

“If you can’t get inspired by Gary Player, you’re non-existent,” said Ben Crenshaw, certainly no slouch himself as a World Golf Hall of Fame membership and a pair of Masters championships.

Both came to southwest Missouri on Monday for media day for the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge, the PGA Tour Champions event that is a little over a month away.

They also were in town to give…