Gary Player blames ‘media reports’ for his harsh Ryder Cup comments

The volatile atmosphere at the 2025 Ryder Cup created by abusive fans at Bethpage Black did not sit well with many people. And many of those people have let their opinions be known. Hall of Famer Gary Player was chief among them.

But after Player’s particularly harsh comments about the event caused a firestorm, the nine-time major winner now blames “media reports” for suggesting he wants to see the Ryder Cup end.

Here’s what you need to know.

‘Disgusted’ Gary Player calls Ryder Cup ‘worst event in the world’

Player, who turned 90 on November 1st, watched the chaos unfold at this year’s Ryder Cup, and the experience left him in a “state of shock.”

That’s according to an interview he did with the Palm Beach Post after the Ryder Cup, in which he unloaded on the event for what had transpired.

Player stated he was “disgusted” by the action of fans and some players at Bethpage, and declared “the Ryder Cup is a shambles.”

“Golf has been a gentleman’s sport. So, and to see that, and to see the players using this ‘F’ word, I mean, the whole lot,” Player told the Palm Beach Post.

But one line in particular caught everyone’s attention: “the Ryder Cup to me is the worst event in the world.”

That comment caused the most controversy, and it’s what inspired Player to take to his social media channels this week to explain himself.

Player walks back Ryder Cup critiques in statement

Given his public opinion that the Ryder Cup is the “worst event in the world,” it’s understandable to infer Player would like to see the tournament come to an end.

But in a lengthy statement posted on November 5th, Player denied that’s what he meant.

“It has been brought to my attention that recent media reports have stated that I wish to see an end to the Ryder Cup competition,” Player’s statement began, “nothing could be further from the truth!”

He said that his comments were meant as a “warning” that the Ryder Cup is “at risk of coming to and end” if the bad behavior at Bethpage Black “is allowed to continue.”

Player then claimed to “love the Ryder Cup format” and expressed his wishes “to see this great team competition continue to grow.” But he clarified that he does not want that growth to come “at the expense of the dignity and respect which golfers and golf supporters have historically shown to one another.”

He also admitted that despite the loudest and worst fans, there were “thousands of supporters and workers at Bethpage Black who behaved in the manner of how golf tournaments should be characterized.”

You can read Player’s full statement clarifying his Ryder Cup comments below.

It has been brought to my attention that recent media reports have stated that I wish to see an end to the Ryder Cup competition – nothing could be further from the truth! I hold its organizers, the PGA of America and the Ryder Cup Europe, in the highest regard.

Obviously, with my South African roots, I never played in the Ryder Cup. But throughout my career, I have loved competing in the match-play format as is evidenced by my 5 wins in the World Match Play events at Wentworth, including my famous win when I beat Tony Lema after being 7-down. Also, being a Captain of the International Presidents Cup team was one of the great honours of my career.

My comments about the Ryder Cup were intended to be a warning that this great tournament is at risk of coming to an end if the recent behaviour in New York is allowed to continue, or even worse, escalate further at future events.

I love the Ryder Cup format as do many millions of fans all over the globe. I want to see this great team competition continue to grow in a manner that allows it to meet the changing commercial needs of its sponsors and partners. But, I desperately want this growth not be at the expense of the dignity and respect which golfers and golf supporters have historically shown to one another. That is what I spoke about and what I am warning about now. I want nothing more than that the Ryder Cup continues in perpetuity. I love the Ryder Cup so much that I am presently assisting in the design of a golf course at Luton Hoo, outside London. In that design I am particularly focused on producing a course that will meet all the criteria for a future Ryder Cup venue.

There were thousands of supporters and workers at Bethpage Black who behaved in the manner of how golf tournaments should be characterized. From the players to the fans, let’s work together to make the Ryder Cup’s future shine bright. — Gary Player

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