Gary Player issues lengthy statement about controversial Ryder Cup comments

Gary Player says he doesn't want to see the Ryder Cup abolished after all. 

The nine-time major champion caused a stir in the immediate aftermath of the 45th edition of the biennial matches between the United States and Europe. 

Player, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, told the Palm Beach Post it was "the worst event in the world". 

The golf legend was referencing the abuse the European players were subjected to at Bethpage Black in New York. 

Masters champion Rory McIlroy was the primary target and the Northern Irishman's wife was even struck by a drinks cup thrown from the grandstand. 

Player was among many well-respected figures in the sport who voiced their disgust over what they witnessed and the behaviour from a select few. 

He later doubled down in a Q&A to Golf Digest, saying that he wanted to see the Ryder Cup abolished altogether. 

Player has now released a lengthy statement saying that he holds the events organisers - the PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe - in the highest regard. 

He said his comments were meant to serve as a warning and he wants to see the Ryder Cup grow, but not at the expense of dignity and respect. 

In full, Gary Player's statement:

"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.

"Obviously, with my South African roots, I never played in the Ryder Cup. 

"But throughout my career, I have loved competing in the match-play format as is evidenced by my 5 wins in the World Match Play events at Wentworth, including my famous win when I beat Tony Lema after being 7-down. Also, being a captain of the International Presidents Cup team was one of the great honours of my career.

"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 behaviour in New York is allowed to continue, or even worse, escalate further at future events.

"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. I love the Ryder Cup so much that I am presently assisting in the design of a golf course at 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 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."

Gary Player wasn't the alone in criticising US fans

Player was among several high-profile figures in men's professional golf to express their dismay at what they witnessed at Bethpage Black. 

Tom Watson, a legend of American golf, apologised to the European team directly. 

The eight-time major winner said he was "ashamed" with what he saw. 

"I'd like to congratulate Europe on their victory," said Watson on X. 

"Your team play the first few days was sensational. More importantly, I'd like to apologise for the rude and mean-spirited behaviour from our American crowd at Bethpage. 

"As a former player, captain and as an American I am ashamed of what happened."

US player Collin Morikawa later admitted a line was crossed. 

As for McIlroy, he said he was worried the 2025 Ryder Cup would be remembered for the wrong reasons. 

The 36-year-old urged everyone to shift the narrative.