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 highly accomplished South African retired professional golfer, celebrated as one of the sport's all-time greats. He secured nine major championships on the regular tour and nine on the Champions Tour. In 1965, he became the first non-American to achieve a Career Grand Slam, winning all four major championships. Player was the youngest to accomplish this feat at the time. He is one of only five golfers in history to have won a Career Grand Slam. With over 160 professional tournament victories across six continents throughout seven decades, Player's impact on golf is undeniable. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1966: Supported Apartheid Policies

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

Grand Slam Golf

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1969: Protested at the PGA Championship

In 1969, activists protested against Gary Player at the PGA Championship due to his espousal of apartheid.

1971: Threats to Protest

In 1971 there were several threats to protest against Player at tournaments, they never came to fruition.

October 1974: Racist Slurs Yelled at Player

In October 1974, Australian activists yelled, "Go home, racist!" at Gary Player as he was lining up a putt on the 72nd hole of a tournament.

1974: Accusations of Cheating at the Open

In 1974, Gary Player was accused of cheating at the Open, accusations he strongly denied.

1983: Accusation of Cheating by Tom Watson

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

1987: Disavowed Apartheid

In 1987, Gary Player disavowed the system of apartheid, calling it a "cancerous disease" in an interview with The Los Angeles Times.

July 2007: Allegations of Drug Use in Golf

In July 2007, at the Open Championship golf tournament, Gary Player made statements about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in golf, alleging that at least ten players were "taking something."

June 2016: Criticized Governing Bodies

In June 2016, Gary Player criticized a report by the R&A and USGA that driving distance in golf was increasing minimally, warning of a "tsunami coming" due to a failure to address issues with new golf technology in an interview with bunkered.co.uk.

2017: Reiterated Comments on Golf Technology

After the 2017 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Gary Player reiterated his concerns about golf technology, expressing sadness that the Old Course at St Andrews was "brought to her knees."