Gary Player blames ‘media coverage’ for harsh Ryder Cup comments

The volatile atmosphere created by verbal abuse from fans at Bethpage Black Stadium at the 2025 Ryder Cup left many people uncomfortable. Many of them have expressed their opinions. Hall of Famer Gary Player was one of the best.

But after Player caused an uproar with his particularly scathing comments about the tournament, the nine-time Grand Slam champion has now accused “media reports” of 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 turns 90 on November 1, witnessed the chaos at this year’s Ryder Cup, an experience that left him in a “state of shock”.

This is based on an interview he gave palm beach post After the Ryder Cup, he condemned what happened at the tournament.

Player said he was “disgusted” by the behavior of Bethpage fans and some players and declared “the Ryder Cup is a mess”.

“Golf has always been a gentleman’s game. So, seeing that, seeing players using the ‘F’ word, I mean, all of that,” Player told the outlet palm beach post.

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

That comment caused the most controversy and is what prompted Pryor to explain himself on his social media channels this week.

Players back off Ryder Cup criticism in statement

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

But in a lengthy statement released on November 5, Pryor denied that he meant it.

“It has been brought to my attention that recent media reports have stated that I would like to see the Ryder Cup end,” Player’s statement began. “This could not be further from the truth!”

He said his comments were intended as a “warning” that the Ryder Cup was “at risk of ending” if Bethpage Black’s bad behavior “continues.”

Player later claimed to “love the format of the Ryder Cup” and expressed his “desire to see this great team game continue to grow”. But he clarified that he did not want such growth “to come at the expense of the dignity and respect that golfers and golf supporters have historically shown each other.”

He also acknowledged that despite the loudest fans and worst attitudes, “there were thousands of supporters and staff at Bethpage Black who behaved in a manner befitting a golf tournament.”

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

I’ve noticed recent media reports stating that I would like to see the Ryder Cup end – this couldn’t be further from the truth! I have the highest respect for its organizers, the PGA of America and the European Ryder Cup.

Obviously, because of my South African heritage, I’ve never played in the Ryder Cup. But I have always enjoyed playing match play throughout my career, as evidenced by my five wins at the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth, including my famous victory when I beat Tony Lema after seven shots behind. Additionally, being captain of the International Presidents Cup team is one of the great honors of my career.

My comments about the Ryder Cup are meant to be a warning that if New York’s recent behavior continues, or worse, escalates further at future events, this great tournament is in danger of ending.

I, like millions of fans around the world, love the Ryder Cup format. I would like to see this great team competition continue to evolve to meet the changing commercial needs of our sponsors and partners. However, I desperately hope that this growth does not come at the expense of the dignity and respect that golfers and golf supporters have historically shown each other. That’s what I said, and that’s what I’m warning about now. I just want the Ryder Cup to go on forever. I love the Ryder Cup so much that I’m currently helping to design the golf course at Luton Hoo outside London. In this design, I focused specifically on creating a course that met all the criteria for a future Ryder Cup venue.

There were thousands of supporters and staff at Bethpage Black who behaved in a manner befitting a golf tournament. From players to fans, let’s work together to make the future of the Ryder Cup shine. — Gary Player

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