Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Gary Player

Public opinion and media debates around Gary Player—discover key moments of controversy.

Gary Player is a South African retired professional golfer, considered one of the greatest ever. He achieved a career Grand Slam by age 29, becoming the only non-American at the time to win all four majors. He won nine major championships on the regular tour and nine on the Champions Tour. Player has won over 160 professional tournaments across six continents over seven decades. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1966: Support for Apartheid in Book

In 1966, Gary Player espoused support for the apartheid policies of Hendrik Verwoerd in his book "Grand Slam Golf".

Grand Slam Golf

Check it on Amazon

1969: Protests Against Player

In 1969, activists publicly demonstrated against Gary Player's espousal of apartheid, including protesting at the PGA Championship.

1971: Threats of Protests

In 1971, there were several threats to protest against Gary Player at tournaments.

October 1974: Protest in Australia

In October 1974, Australian activists screamed at Gary Player, "Go home, racist!", while he was lining up a putt during a tournament.

1974: Accusations of cheating at the Open

In 1974, Gary Player faced accusations of cheating at the Open Championship; he has strongly denied the accusations.

1983: Accusation of cheating by Tom Watson

In 1983, at a skins game in Arizona, Tom Watson accused Gary Player of cheating by moving a leaf from behind his ball.

1987: Disavowal of Apartheid

In a 1987 interview with The Los Angeles Times, Gary Player disavowed the system of apartheid.

2002: Golf Course Design in Burma

In 2002, Gary Player designed a golf course in Burma, which later led to controversy.

July 2007: Statements on Performance-Enhancing Drugs

In July 2007, Gary Player made statements at the Open Championship golf tournament about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in golf.

October 2007: Controversy over golf course design in Burma

In October 2007, media attention arose about Gary Player's involvement in the 2002 design of a golf course in Burma, leading the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund to withdraw its support.

June 2016: Player criticizes golf's governing bodies

In June 2016, Gary Player criticized a report by the R&A and USGA, calling it "laughable" for suggesting minimal increase in driving distance in golf, and warned of a "tsunami coming" due to the failure to address new golf technology.

2017: Player comments after the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

In 2017, after the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Gary Player used Twitter to express his sadness about the Old Course at St Andrews being "brought to her knees" after Ross Fisher's record-breaking low score.