Nine-time major champion Gary Player has once again taken aim at the Ryder Cup — this time calling for the event to be abolished altogether.
The South African legend, who turned 90 this week, previously branded the biennial clash between the United States and Europe the “worst event in the world” following the chaotic scenes at Bethpage Black in September.
Player said he was appalled by the crowd behaviour, particularly the abuse aimed at European star and Masters champion Rory McIlroy. Throughout the week, McIlroy was subjected to homophobic slurs, taunts about his private life, and heckling even during his backswing. His wife, Erica, was also struck by a drinks cup.
While McIlroy later urged fans to remember Europe’s “brilliant performance” instead of the negativity, many figures in the golf world voiced their disapproval of what took place. Former Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson said he was “ashamed,” and U.S. team member Collin Morikawa admitted the crowd’s conduct had “crossed a line.”
Speaking to the Palm Beach Post, Player said he was “in a state of shock,” questioning what golf greats like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Byron Nelson would have thought. He later told Golf Digest that the Ryder Cup should be scrapped entirely.
“Nobody loves golf more than me, but I love golf to such an extent that I sat there and cringed,” Player said. “The whole world was watching, and all you heard was ‘F’ this and ‘F’ that. You saw people behaving terribly. I just couldn’t believe it.”
Player believes the competition could still be saved — if officials enforce stricter standards. “Just look at Augusta,” he added. “Do you ever see that at Augusta? At the U.S. Open? The Open Championship? No.”
“There should be an asterisk”
Player, who helped shape the PGA Tour in the late 1960s, also shared his concerns about the modern game’s division between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
He called it “bad for golf” that the sport now operates under two rival systems and claimed that tournament victories on either circuit should carry an asterisk.
“When you win a tournament now, you’re not really winning a full tournament,” he said. “Half the best players are on LIV, half on the regular tour. Unless it’s a major, you can’t claim to be the best in the world. There should be an asterisk beside your name.”
Interestingly, despite his criticism, Player remains listed as an ambassador for Golf Saudi — the financial backer behind LIV Golf.
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