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 achieved a Career Grand Slam by winning all four major championships, becoming the first non-American to accomplish this feat. He secured nine major championships on the regular tour and nine on the Champions Tour. Player's career spanned over seven decades, during which he won more than 160 professional tournaments across six continents. His remarkable achievements led to his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1966: Support for Apartheid in Grand Slam Golf

In 1966, Gary Player expressed support for apartheid policies in his book, "Grand Slam Golf", leading to future protests and controversies.

Grand Slam Golf

Check it on Amazon

1969: Protests at the PGA Championship

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

1971: Protest Threats at Tournaments

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

October 1974: Racist Slurs at Tournament

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

1974: Accusations of Cheating at the Open

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

1983: Cheating Accusation by Tom Watson

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

2002: Design of a golf course in Burma

In 2002, Gary Player involved in the design of a golf course in Burma.

July 2007: Allegations of Drug Use in Golf

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

October 2007: Controversy over Burma Golf Course Design

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

June 2016: Player brands report as "laughable"

In June 2016, Gary Player criticized a report by the R&A and USGA, calling it "laughable" for its claim that driving distance in golf was only increasing minimally. He also warned of a "tsunami coming" due to the governing bodies' failure to address issues surrounding new golf technology in June 2016.

2017: Player comments on the Old Course at St Andrews

In 2017, following the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Gary Player expressed his disappointment on Twitter about the Old Course at St Andrews being "brought to her knees" after Ross Fisher broke the course record during the final round in 2017.