You’d think Gary Player would have seen it all in the world and golf, but even he was left stunned by what he saw at the Ryder Cup.
And that’s not in a good way either, with the nine-time major winner appalled by the goings on in New York.
Ryder Cup announcer apologises to Rory McIlroy and quits after leading crass chant
Team Europe beat the USA 15-13 in a remarkable sporting contest, racking up a huge lead before having to hold on against an almighty final day comeback.
However, for many it was overshadowed by the American crowd, with players abused and sworn at throughout while some even had objects thrown at them.
Commenting on what he saw, 89-year-old 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…
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“I was disgusted, so to me, the Ryder Cup is a shambles.”
Player was referencing American golfing legends as he himself is South African.
He lives in the US, though, and while he calls it the greatest country in the world, he’s could end up falling out of love with the golf fans.
He continued: “I love the fact that they say ‘USA, USA.’ I love how the British respond in their way. I think that’s exciting.
“But the Ryder Cup to me is the worst event in the world.”
McIlroy abuse overstepped the mark
Among those targeted at Bethpage, Northern Irish legend Rory McIlroy arguably had it the worst, constantly taunted throughout, and things overstepped the mark during Saturday’s fourballs.
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McIlroy had the last laugh with the New York crowd who continually overstepped the markCredit: Getty
He and Shane Lowry were abused for their physical appearance, while McIlroy’s wife was hit with a beer.
That all came after an event on Friday that was as bizarre as it was unnecessary.
An announcer was seen goading the crowd into a ‘F*** you Rory’ chant and she was then sacked, having been hired by PGA of America.
In shock at that one scene in particular, Player added: “To see them hire a lady to stand on the tee — if you want to call her a lady — and saying ‘F you, Rory. F this European team’…
“Are we crazy? And then the head of the PGA says, what was so serious about it?
“Golf has never been that. 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.
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Gary Player was appalled by what he saw in New YorkCredit: Getty
“Is that what you want to go and see? I mean, can you imagine?
“I’ve got all these grandchildren. If I had to sit there and hear that, I don’t know what I’d do.”
Discussing what can be done to improve matters, he offered some advice to the PGA of America.
“If their young players swear and misbehave, don’t put them on a team,” Player said. “And tell them about the game because the next era could become a lot worse if we’re not careful.”
Tom Watson joins the Ryder Cup condemnation
Many have spoken out in condemnation of the US crowd, and while Player’s comments carry plenty of weight due to his legendary status, they’ve been added to by a prominent American.
Eight time major winner and two-time US captain Tom Watson was just as disgusted as Player, even apologising to Team Europe in a statement.
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Watson felt the need to apologise on behalf of his countrymenCredit: Movistar+
“I’d like to congratulate Team Europe on their victory,” he wrote in a social media post. “Your team play the first few days was sensational.
“More importantly, I’d like to apologise for the rude and mean-spirited behavior from our American crowd at Bethpage.
“As a former player, captain and as an American, I am ashamed of what happened.”