Gary Player clarifies statement in which he said he'd like to see Ryder Cup 'abolished'
After Gary Player first told the Palm Beach Post he believes the Ryder Cup "is in shambles," and labeled it the "worst event in the world." He later continued his criticism of the biennial event in an interview with Golf Digest.
"I would like to see them abolish it, and I’ll tell you why," Player, the Jupiter Island resident, told Golf Digest. "Nobody loves golf more than me, but I love golf to such an extent that I sat there and cringed. The whole world was watching and all you heard was ‘F’ this and ‘F’ that and you see people misbehaving.”
Player, who turned 90 on Nov. 1, release a statement Nov. 5 clarifying his comments.
"My comments about the Ryder Cup were intended to be a warning that this great tournament is at risk of coming to an end if the recent behavior in New York is allowed to continue, or even worse, escalate further at future events," he wrote."
Player later added, "It has been brought to my attention that recent media reports have stated that I wish to see an end to the Ryder Cup competition — nothing could be further from the truth! I hold its organizers, the PGA of America and the Ryder Cup Europe, in the highest regard.
"I love the Ryder Cup format as do many millions of fans all over the globe. I want to see this great team competition continue to grow in a manner that allows it to meet the changing commercial needs of its sponsors and partners. But, I desperately want this growth not be at the expense of the dignity and respect which golfers and golf supporters have historically shown to one another. That is what I spoke about and what I am warning about now. I want nothing more than that the Ryder Cup continues in perpetuity."
Player went on to say he is assisting in the design of a golf course outside London that will meet all the criteria for a future Ryder Cup venue.
"There were thousands of supporters and workers at Bethpage Black who behaved in the manner of how golf tournaments should be characterized. From the players to the fans, let’s work together to make the Ryder Cup’s future shine bright," he concluded.
Ryder Cup Clarification pic.twitter.com/c3cRjKGtCW
— GARY PLAYER (@garyplayer) November 5, 2025
When asked about the Ryder Cup in October by the Post, Player said, "I look at it and I'm in a state of shock. 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."
The Ryder Cup, a competition between the U.S. and Europe, was held at Bethpage Black in New York in late September and won by Europe, 15-13.
Tom D'Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at tdangelo@pbpost.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Gary Player clarifies himself after saying Ryder Cup should be 'abolished'
