Gary Player (Image Source: Getty) The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black might be remembered as the one where Europe narrowly defeated the U.S., 15-13, but many are claiming that the happenings outside the scorecard have taken the attention from the on-course excitement. Among the disapproving voices of the situation, Gary Player, the golf icon and nine-time major champion, with his criticism, has been the most vigorous and, without a doubt, did not cover up the unpleasant aspects of the drama he witnessed.
A legendary disapproval by Gary Player
At 89 years old, Player is no stranger to golfing controversy or high-pressure moments. Yet what he saw during the Ryder Cup left him in a state of shock, he told the Palm Beach Post. In blunt terms, he declared that the event had become a shambles.He asked a pointed rhetorical question: “What would Ben Hogan have said? What would Byron Nelson have said? What would Arnold Palmer … If Arnold Palmer saw that today …” He went on to say, “I was disgusted,” calling the spectacle “the worst event in the world.”
What sparked the fury?
The player’s anger was not merely theatrical. It was rooted in what many observed: a breakdown of decorum, largely driven by unruly fan behaviour and questionable organisational choices. Here are a few factors that might have triggered him:
Abuse from the crowd
European players, of whom Rory McIlroy was the most prominent, received hostile heckling, cursing, and taunting over and over again. According to reports, McIlroy got very offensive verbal abuse while taking his shots, and at least once, a beer was thrown that hit his wife.
The first tee emcee controversy
The controversy intensified when comedian Heather McMahan, hired to energise the first tee crowd, was recorded chanting “F**k you, Rory, F**k this European team.” She later apologised and resigned. The player specifically criticised the PGA of America for employing her and failing to foresee the fallout.
Leadership and accountability gaps
The player did not spare criticism for those in charge. He accused the PGA of America’s leadership of trivialising the abuse and failing to uphold golf’s dignity. He questioned why the initial severity was dismissed: “What was so serious about it?”
A crossroads for the Ryder Cup
The 2025 Ryder Cup may already be regarded as a turning point, not for scores or tactics, but for the spirit of the game. Player, in his characteristic blunt style, laid out a stark warning: if fan behaviour and organisational naivety persist, the next era could be a lot worse.Also Read: How Rory McIlroy became the center of attention at the Ryder Cup: Full story behind the dramaHe argued for preemptive action: “If their young players swear and misbehave, don’t put them on a team. And tell them about the game.” The message is clear – accountability must begin long before tee time.
