Gary Player is the latest golf voice to weigh in on the fan behaviour at the 2025 Ryder Cup, and the nine-time major champ didn’t hold back.
In an interview with the Palm Beach Post, Player said he agreed with Tom Watson, who was “ashamed” by what went on at Bethpage Black during Europe’s 15-13 win.
“I look at it and I’m in a state of shock,” Player told the Palm Beach Post. “I think, what would Ben Hogan have said, you know? What would Byron Nelson have said? What would Arnold Palmer … If Arnold Palmer saw that today …
“I was disgusted,” Player added. “So to me, the Ryder Cup is in shambles.”
Player turns 90 on Nov. 1. As a South African, Player never participated in the Ryder Cup. However, he’s been a Presidents Cup captain three times.
“I love the fact that they say ‘USA, USA.’ I love (how) the British respond in their way. I think that’s exciting,” Player said of the biennial event between the U.S. and Europe. “But the Ryder Cup to me is the worst event in the world.”
Player was also upset about comedian and podcaster Heather McMahan, who was hired by the PGA of America as a first-tee emcee, but quit and issued an apology ahead of Sunday’s singles session after leading a vulgar chant directed at Rory McIlroy on Saturday.
“And to see a (PGA of America) hire a lady to stand on the tee—if you want to call her a lady—and saying that stuff to Rory and this European team,’” Player said. “Are we crazy? And then the head of the (PGA of America) says, what was so serious about it?”
Player was referencing PGA of America president Don Rea, who was criticised for not doing more to condemn the crowd behaviour. But Player also didn’t seem thrilled with some of the players responding to fans.
“Golf has never been that,” said Player, who added he admired Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood for their class throughout. “Golf has been a gentleman’s sport. So, and to see that, and to see the players using these words, I mean, the whole lot.”
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