Gary Player criticizes professional golf for slow play among young players

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 11:30 AM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Gary Player criticizes professional golf for slow play among young players

Summary

Gary Player recently criticized the state of modern professional golf, arguing that slow play is damaging the sport. The nine-time major champion stated that younger golfers are mimicking the deliberate, time-consuming routines often displayed by professionals on camera. Player cited the recent Open Championship, where Ryan Fox secured his victory with a fast pace of play, as a positive example for others to follow. Fox explained his quick routine as a long-standing habit developed during his youth to avoid inconveniencing experienced players on the course. Player advocates for governing bodies to implement stroke penalties as a way to discourage slow play among competitors. His comments reflect ongoing concerns regarding the overall speed of the game and its influence on amateur participants.

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By the Numbers

•Gary Player identified slow play as a primary issue currently affecting the game of golf.
•Ryan Fox won The Open Championship while maintaining a quick pace of play.
•Fox attributes his rapid decision-making to habits formed while playing as a youth.
•Player suggested that governing bodies should issue stroke penalties to address slow play.

Latest Updates

11:30 AMYahoo Sports — Gary Player claims golf is ‘getting worse’ because amateurs are copying what many professionals do

What they're saying

"
Gary Player is someone who never shirks responsibility when it comes to speaking out about issues with the current state of the game. Player enjoyed a fabulous career at the highest level of the sport, winning 159 times professionally worldwide, including nine major championships.
— Yahoo Sports

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