The president of the PGA of America, Don Rea Jr., delivered an apology on Thursday, responding to the inappropriate conduct exhibited by numerous spectators at the Ryder Cup the previous week. It was widely noted that Rory McIlroy experienced a torrent of unpleasant remarks during the competition, which has been a frequent subject of discussion lately.
Rea issued the apology after appearing to dismiss the way McIlroy was treated.
Team Europe secured a 15-13 victory in the most recent Ryder Cup. This marks the sixth instance in the last eight Ryder Cups where Europe has claimed the title.
“Allow me to commence by acknowledging our responsibilities. Although the competition was intense, especially with the U.S. team’s comeback on Sunday afternoon, the conduct of some supporters clearly overstepped boundaries,” stated Rea’s email, as reported by the Associated Press. “Such actions were disrespectful, unsuitable, and misrepresentative of the PGA of America and its golf professionals. We firmly condemn this type of conduct.
“The beauty of our sport lies in acknowledging our errors. We undoubtedly recognize this one. Our CEO, Derek Sprague, has already conveyed our apologies to Erica and Rory McIlroy, as well as to everyone involved with Ryder Cup Europe. I also extend my personal apologies to them and to all of you for failing to uphold our association’s values through certain comments I made in the media during the event.
“While it was not my intention, some of my remarks were perceived negatively, reflecting poorly not only on myself but also on the PGA of America, for which I sincerely apologize.”
Rea concluded his email with “God Bless and as always Go U.S.A!”
Numerous instances of disruptive behavior occurred at Bethpage Black. On Friday, a small group of spectators chanted offensive phrases at Rory while his image appeared on a nearby screen.
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Additionally, some of the European players were subjected to foul language, and McIlroy and his wife were targets of many chants containing expletives. One attendee even threw a beverage at McIlroy as he walked across the course.
McIlroy even responded to one heckler by telling them to be quiet during Saturday’s play.
“I believe we should never accept such behavior in golf. I hold golf to a higher standard than what we witnessed this week,” McIlroy expressed on Sunday night after Europe’s win. “Golf possesses the ability to unite people. It provides invaluable lessons for life, teaching etiquette, adherence to rules, and respect for others.
“This week, we did not always see those qualities,” McIlroy added. “Therefore, this should not be deemed acceptable at the Ryder Cup. We will definitely emphasize to our supporters in Ireland in 2027 that the events of this week are unacceptable.”
Rea had initially voiced a different viewpoint, saying that American golfers were also affected by the disturbances caused by spectator conduct.
“I am not aware of some of that. I’m sure it happened,” Rea mentioned in a BBC interview earlier in the week. “It also occurs when we are in Rome on the other side, and Rory is aware of it. These kinds of things are inevitable.”
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McIlroy’s colleagues, Matt Fitzpatrick and Shane Lowry, shared their disapproval for the spectator antics they observed. Fitzpatrick stated that he thought it was “quite offensive to Europeans fans” that Rea disregarded some of the actions, and Lowry believed the verbal abuse directed at McIlroy’s wife, Erica, was “remarkable.”
On Tuesday, PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague commented that he thought the spectators had crossed the line during an interview on the Golf Channel. Sprague also mentioned plans to apologize to McIlroy and his wife in person.
“Rory may have been a target because of his exceptional skill, but the entire European team should not have been exposed to that,” Sprague commented. “I am deeply saddened and intend to apologize to them.”
