Gary Player is criticizing a habit he believes is making golf worse for amateurs. The nine-time major champion has praised Ryan Fox for playing quickly and criticized amateurs for copying habits they see from professional golfers. Fox’s 2026 Open Championship victory gave that argument a fresh spotlight.
His decisive birdie at Royal Birkdale came just 22 seconds after Sam Burns holed out. Players’ comments reflect a broader concern about professional habits filtering into amateur golf, with the pace of play serving as a key example.
Gary Player sees slow routines spreading beyond the Tour
The player’s latest criticism centered on the pace of play. Speaking on The Golf Supply YouTube channel, he praised Fox after the New Zealander won the 2026 Open Championship, highlighting the speed of his decision-making and play.
The player argued that amateurs watch professionals closely and can copy what they see. His concern is that professional habits can influence how everyday golfers approach the game.
That criticism fits a broader theme Player has raised about amateur golf. He has argued that the sport should be made more enjoyable for recreational players rather than shaped entirely around the demands of elite professional golf.
Ryan Fox offered a striking counterexample at Royal Birkdale
Fox provided a powerful contrast during the final round at Royal Birkdale. After Burns holed his putt on the 18th, Fox needed only 22 seconds before striking the birdie putt that won his first major championship.
The speed was not a sudden change brought on by pressure. Fox has explained that his routine is naturally quick, from selecting a club to committing to a shot, and that he prefers not to give himself extra time to overthink decisions.
The PGA Tour highlighted the moment as part of Fox’s identity during his breakthrough week. He overcame Cameron Young with a final-hole birdie, while his fast routine became one of the most memorable details of a championship that produced an unexpected winner.
Why copying professionals can create problems for amateurs
Professional golf is built around highly skilled players who have spent years developing their swings, routines, and decision-making. A routine that works for a Tour player does not necessarily suit every amateur golfer.
The player has also criticized modern golf instruction. He has argued that some coaches lack sufficient knowledge of the fundamentals and has previously questioned technical changes made by elite players.
The player has also criticized the tendency to copy professional swing mechanics. In an interview, he questioned modern teaching methods and argued that golfers can damage their games by chasing technical ideas without understanding the fundamentals behind them.
The same principle applies to pace. Playing faster does not mean rushing every shot, just as copying a Tour swing does not automatically reproduce the result. Fox’s routine works because his decisions are already made quickly, and his preparation remains controlled.
The player’s broader concerns are bigger than slow play
The Players’ has long argued that golf should remain enjoyable for amateurs. He has previously called for wider fairways, flatter greens, and fewer obstacles rather than continually lengthening courses to accommodate professional players.
He has also criticized the effect of modern technology and the increasing distance on professional golf. In 2026, he argued that stronger players and equipment have contributed to excessive driving distances and said the professional game should roll the ball back significantly.
His latest comments about pace fit that broader concern about how professional golf influences the sport. The player’s criticism of amateur habits focuses on keeping recreational golf simpler and more enjoyable.
Ryan Fox has given the debate a timely example
Fox’s Open victory made the pace discussion more visible because his speed remained a defining part of his game during the final round. The 39-year-old took only 22 seconds after Sam Burns holed out before striking the winning birdie putt at Royal Birkdale.
Fox has explained that his fast pace is natural and that giving himself less time can help prevent overthinking. His approach illustrates the difference between playing efficiently and simply rushing through a shot.
The wider conversation reflects golf’s continuing debate over slow play. Fox’s example has provided a clear contrast to the lengthy routines that Gary Player has criticized.
Fun fact: Ryan Fox did not begin playing golf until he was 17, then became a PGA TOUR rookie at 37 before winning his first major at age 39. That unusual path makes his rapid decision-making routine even more notable.
TL;DR
- Gary Player criticized amateurs for copying habits they see from professional golfers.
- Ryan Fox needed just 22 seconds to hit the winning birdie putt at the 2026 Open.
- Fox has said his fast pace is natural and can help limit overthinking.
- The player has previously argued that professional golf should not be allowed to dictate every aspect of amateur golf.
- Fox’s victory has given Player’s criticism of slow routines a timely example.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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