Gary Player Issues 'Warning' To Young Americans On Tuesday

Legendary golfer Gary Player was at the White House this Tuesday to celebrate youth fitness in America.

Back in July 2025, Donald Trump announced that he was bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test and the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. It wasn't until this afternoon, however, that he signed an oder to bring back the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.

"My Administration is committed to strengthening the next generation of Americans and promoting sports participation, which is why I was proud to sign an Executive Order revitalizing the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test," Trump said. "This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Council, and under my leadership, we are once again making fitness and nutrition national priorities.  Working alongside world-class professional athletes, major league organizations, teams, schools and communities across our country, we are ushering in a new Golden Age of physical fitness - expanding access to wellness for every American, promoting the many benefits of exercise and good nutrition, supporting youth sports, and celebrating a culture of strength, vitality, and excellence."

Several athletes were allowed to speak at this Tuesday's event, including Gary Player. Oddly enough, the nine-time major champion used his speech as a chance to warn young Americans about an ongoing war against freedom.

I say to the young people, just love this country because you don't realize what's going on around the world. There is a silent war taking place against America today, and what we've got to do is make these kids realize that freedom, exercise, and education start with reading some books," Player said, via Fox News.

"What you put in your body is so important. What a wonderful job [Trump] has done. And to all your Cabinet members, I say thank you for maintaining this great word-this cherished word: freedom."

Fans aren't buying Player's rant.

Judging by the responses online, Player missed the mark with his speech at the White House.

"Gary Player was a player I admired in the 70s & 80's and right up to reading this tweet. Now I wish he would just disappear back to SA and never set foot on a golf course again," one person declared.

"The youth of today waiting on bated breath for advice from a 90 year old golfer," a second person sarcastically said.

"The guy that was bought by the Saudis has opinions on freedom," another person wrote.

"America's youth taking life advice from an 90-year-old golfer who thinks patriotism is a substitute for critical thinking," a social media user commented.

Time will tell if Player's message in the Oval Office truly resonated with young kids in America.

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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 1:19 PM.