1965 U.S. Open champion Gary Player calls Chambers Bay 'a tragedy'

Despite young stars Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, and Dustin Johnson taking spots at the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend, this 115th U.S. Open cannot escape the headlines regarding the repeated criticisms of this year's host venue, Chambers Bay.

Many players have vocalized their displeasure with the course, but nine-time major champion Gary Player took things to another level Saturday morning with an epic rant during an interview on Golf Channel.

"This has been the most unpleasant golf tournament I've seen in my life," he said. "The man who designed this course had to have one leg shorter than the other. It's hard to believe you see a man miss the green by one yard and the ball ends up 50 yards down in the rough.

"I think you've got to give the architect the blame."

Chambers Bay architect Jay Blasi was quick to respond to the harsh criticism from the 1965 U.S. Open champion on Twitter while first round co-leader Henrik Stenson was quick to offer his support after criticizing the greens himself following his round Friday.

Player's comments were certainly surprising coming from one of the more upbeat personalities the golf world has seen, as he continued throwing jabs at the course.

"They're having to putt from 20 to 30 feet and they're allowing for 20 feet right and 20 feet left," he said. "It's actually a tragedy – it's 7,900 yards long. Can you imagine the world is suffering from a shortage of water, can you imagine the amount of water this course will take?"

While Player certainly believes the environmental issue is a real concern for the Washington course, the South African continues his argument with amateur golfers in mind.

"An average golfer playing this golf course, I am telling you, if he is a 15- or 16-handicap, he's going to shoot 110 and he's not going to go home a happy man," he said. "We've got to make golf where it's quicker, more enjoyable.

"Professional golf has never been so healthy. But we're in trouble amateur-wise."