Gary Player blames ‘media reports’ for harsh Ryder Cup commentary

Unstable atmosphere in 2025 Ryder Cup created by abusive fan on Bethpage Black didn’t sit well with many people. And many of those people have made their opinions known. Hall of Famer Gary Player was chief among them.

But after the player particularly harsh comments about the event caused a firestormthe nine-time major winner now blames “media reports” for suggesting he wants to see the end of the Ryder Cup.

Here’s what you need to know.

‘Disgusted’ Gary Player calls Ryder Cup ‘world’s worst event’

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

This is according to an interview he did with Palm Beach Mail after the Ryder Cup, in which he unloaded on the event about what had happened.

The player stated that he was “disgusted” by the behavior of fans and some players in Bethpage and declared that “the Ryder Cup is a mess”.

“Golf has been a gentleman’s sport. So to see that and to see the players using that ‘F’ word, I mean everybody,” the player told him. Palm Beach Mail.

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

That comment sparked more controversy, and it inspired The Player to take to his social media channels this week to explain himself.

Player turns criticism of Ryder Cup into statement

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

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

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

He said his comments were intended as a “warning” that the Ryder Cup is “at risk of being over and done with” if the misconduct at Bethpage Black is “allowed to continue”.

The player then claimed he “loved the format of the Ryder Cup” and expressed his wishes “to see this great team competition continue to grow”. But he clarified that he does not want this increase to come “at the expense of the dignity and respect that golfers and supporters have historically shown to each other.”

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

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

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

Of course, with my South African roots, I’ve never played in the Ryder Cup. But throughout my career, I have enjoyed competing in the match play format, as evidenced by my 5 wins in World Match Play events at Wentworth, including my famous victory when I beat Tony Lema after being 7-under. Also, being captain of the International Presidents Cup team was one of the great honors of my career.

My comments about the Ryder Cup were meant to be a warning that this major tournament is in danger of ending if the recent behavior in New York is allowed to continue, or worse, escalate further in future events.

I love the Ryder Cup format as do millions of fans around the globe. I want to see this great team competition continue to grow in a way that allows it to meet the changing commercial needs of its sponsors and partners. But I desperately want this growth not to come at the expense of the dignity and respect golfers and supporters have historically shown each other. That’s what I talked about and what I’m warning about now. I want nothing more than for the Ryder Cup to go on forever. I love the Ryder Cup so much that I’m currently helping to design a golf course in 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 behaving the way golf tournaments should be characterized. From players to fans, let’s work together to make the future of the Ryder Cup bright. – Gary Player

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