The golf world was plunged into a state of mourning and confusion on Sunday after a cruel hoax spread like wildfire, falsely announcing the death of legendary Hall-of-Famer Gary Player. The incident triggered a frantic, emotional pilgrimage by some of the sport’s biggest names to Florida, only for them to discover the reports were a complete fabrication.
The chaos began in the early hours of the morning when a series of posts from a fake news account, designed to mimic a major sports network, claimed the 88-year-old South African golfer had passed away peacefully at his winter residence in Florida. The news, though unverified, was picked up and shared by countless fans and several smaller outlets, creating an illusion of credibility.
Upon hearing the devastating news, close friend and rival Jack Nicklaus was reportedly one of the first to be notified. Sources close to the Nicklaus family confirmed he immediately arranged for a private jet from his North Palm Beach home to make the short trip to Jupiter to be with the Player family.
He was soon followed by an emotional Tiger Woods, who cut short a business meeting and was seen arriving at a private airport. Fifteen-time major champion Woods has often cited Player, along with Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, as one of his foundational inspirations.
“When you hear something like that about a man who has been a father figure and a mentor to so many, you don’t stop to check Twitter,” a somber Woods told reporters outside his car, having been intercepted before he could take off. “You go. You just go.”
Other golf luminaries, including Lee Trevino and Greg Norman, were also said to be making travel arrangements or were en route when the stunning truth began to emerge.
The correction came directly from the source. Just after 11:00 a.m. ET, Gary Player’s official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a simple, powerful message: **“The reports of my passing have been greatly exaggerated. I am alive and well, enjoying my morning coffee and disappointed in the spread of such a malicious rumor. Thank you for your concern.”**
The post was accompanied by a brief video of a smiling, healthy-looking Player holding a coffee mug on his patio, confirming his well-being beyond any doubt.
The relief was palpable, but it was quickly replaced by anger and embarrassment among those who had been caught in the emotional whirlwind.
Jack Nicklaus, having landed and spoken with Player directly, addressed the media with a mix of joy and frustration. “To get a call like that about one of your oldest friends in the world… it’s a gut punch,” Nicklaus stated, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m thrilled beyond words that it’s not true, but I’m furious that someone would do this. Gary is in great spirits, but this is a painful violation.”
The incident highlights the dangerous speed at which misinformation can travel in the digital age, causing real-world distress and action. The fake account has since been suspended, but the emotional toll on Player, his family, and his friends remains.
For a few chaotic hours, the golfing world stood still, united in grief for a man who helped build the modern game. While the day ended not with a funeral, but with a collective sigh of relief and a stark warning about modern media, it also served as an unintended testament to the enduring legacy and profound respect commanded by the Black Knight, Gary Player.
