Gary Player is unquestionably one of the greatest golfers of all time.
And it’s fair to say that, since Player stopped playing competitively, he has become one of the most captivating people to listen to in the sport.
The uncompromising South African simply says it how he sees it, regardless of the situation or the players involved.
Player recently named himself as the third best golfer of all time, behind only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
The winners of the four majors in 2026 will be…
Let us know who you are backing to triumph in next year's biggest events
While that is up for debate, he certainly has a fair argument, with 159 professional victories to his name worldwide, including nine major championships.
However, he has definitely left himself open to criticism on numerous occasions due to some of his controversial takes.
Gary Player’s controversial comments at The Open in 2007
Player often raises eyebrows with his outspoken nature and that is what makes him such a great person to listen to.
As golf fans, we don’t want boring, cliched takes and every single time Player speaks, he gives us his true feelings.
However, it’s fair to say that the South African might just have overstepped the mark back in 2007.
Ahead of The Open Championship at Carnoustie, Player stunned golf fans and journalists alike by suggesting that certain golfers were using banned substances.
He said: “Whether it’s HGH, whether it’s Creatine or whether it’s steroids, I know for a fact that some golfers are doing it.”
Player then said the reason why he knows is, “Because one guy told me.”
However, Player’s comments were not received well by some of those who were competing at Carnoustie, unsurprisingly.
Retief Goosen let rip at Gary Player’s comments
Retief Goosen was one of the best golfers in the world in 2007.
Who is your least favourite golfer on the PGA Tour right now?
And he did not take kindly to his fellow South African’s claims.
“I’m actually very shocked at his comments, really, to be honest,” Goosen said.
“I don’t know if he was trying to damage the sport, damage golf. I don’t know what he was trying to do.”
Goosen had a point. If Player was going to make such a bold statement, it was unfair not to name names, because at the time, everyone was tarred with the same brush.
As mentioned earlier, Gary Player has never been a shrinking violet when it comes to offering up his opinions.
However, it’s fair to argue that during The Open in 2007, the nine-time major champion crossed the line.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
