Gary Player disputes ‘media reports’ about his harsh Ryder Cup comments

The volatile atmosphere at the 2025 Ryder Cup, created by abusive Bethpage Black fans, did not 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 Player’s particularly harsh comments about the event sparked a firestorm, the nine-time Major winner is now blaming “media reports” 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 1, 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 let loose on the event for what happened.

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

“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 sentence in particular caught everyone’s attention: “For me, the Ryder Cup 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 returns to Ryder Cup criticism in statement

Given his public opinion that the Ryder Cup is the “worst event in the world,” it is understandable that he might conclude that Player would like to see the tournament ended.

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

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

He said his comments were intended as a “warning” that the Ryder Cup “risks ending” if the bad behavior at Bethpage Black is “allowed to continue”.

Player then claimed that he “loved the Ryder Cup format” and expressed his desire “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 that golfers and golf supporters have historically shown each other.”

He also admitted that despite the loudest and worst fans, there were “thousands of supporters and workers at Bethpage Black who behaved in the way 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 want to see an end to the Ryder Cup competition – nothing could be further from the truth! I have the highest regard for the organisers, the PGA of America and the Ryder Cup Europe.

Obviously with my South African roots I have never played in the Ryder Cup. But throughout my career I have enjoyed competing in the match play format, as evidenced by my five wins in the World Match Play events at Wentworth, including my famous victory when I defeated Tony Lema on 7 down. 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 intended as a warning that this great tournament is in danger of coming to an end if the recent behavior in New York continues, or worse, escalates further at future events.

I love the Ryder Cup format, as do many millions of fans around the world. I want this great team competition to continue to grow in a way that allows it to meet the changing commercial needs of its sponsors and partners. But I really want this growth not to come at the expense of the dignity and respect that golfers and golf supporters have historically shown each other. That is what I spoke about and what I now warn about. I want nothing more than for the Ryder Cup to go on forever. I love the Ryder Cup so much that I am currently assisting in the design of a golf course at Luton Hoo, outside London. With 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 as golf tournaments should be characterized. From the players to the fans, let’s work together to make the future of the Ryder Cup shine bright. -Gary Player

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