This year's Ryder Cup has been the subject of much controversy and heated reactions from golf figures. Judging by the reactions on social media, fans feel that some famous figures have even gone too far in their criticism.
Gary Player, a 90-year-old South African golfer, was one of the most vocal critics of this year's edition. The fans' behavior, according to him, is unacceptable and undermines what this competitiontruly is. Player went so far as to say that the Ryder Cup is "the worst event in the world" and that he would like it to be abolished.
Weeks later, Gary Player decided to clarify his statements, saying that his intentions were not negative.
The South African golfer emphasizes that he has enormous respect for the Ryder Cup and enjoys this competition.
He hopes that this prestigious tournament will be played for many more years and that we will enjoy it, but he believes that there are certain boundaries that must be respected.
"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 behavior in New York is allowed to continue, or even worse, escalate further at future events," he wrote.
"... 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.
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."
Next edition
Golf is a sport with tradition, history and prestige, so scenes like the one we saw at Bethpage Black have damaged the essence of this sport. Gary Player, just like other golf legends, hopes that the next edition, which will be held on European soil in two years, will be completely different than the last one.
Europeanplayers have called on European fans to behave correctly and create a completely different atmosphere from the one we saw in America several times so far.
While European fans will of course be cheering hard from day one to the last, Rory McIlroy and his European colleagues are urging fans to still respect certain boundaries of decency.
They point out that fans should focus more on cheering and supporting their team than on calling out and criticizing American golfers.
