The president of the PGA of America says some spectators “clearly crossed the line” at the Ryder Cup last weekend.
Don Rea had initially played down the comments from the crowd at Bethpage Black, which were particularly aimed at Europe’s star player McIlroy, but on Thursday he apologised.
“Let me begin with what we must own. While the competition was spirited – especially with the US team’s rally on Sunday afternoon – some fan behaviour clearly crossed the line,” he wrote in a letter to golf professionals.
“It was disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative of who we are as the PGA of America or as PGA of America golf professionals.
“We condemn that behavior unequivocally.”
Europe held off a stirring fightback from the United States to win 15-13 and retain the Ryder Cup.
The vitriolic comments rang out from the crowd during Saturday’s day of play and video showed a beer being slapped out of a fan’s hand towards McIlroy’s wife.
Rory McIlroy called out “disrespectful” and “abusive” behavior at the Ryder Cup after his wife Erica was nearly hit by a drink thrown by an American fan in New York. pic.twitter.com/xFdvXemGXE
— Storyful (@Storyful) September 29, 2025
There was further controversy when a comedian hired to lead cheers incited the crowd to verbally abuse McIlroy.
US veteran Tom Watson condemned the unruly American fans, saying he was “ashamed” of their behaviour.
The Europe team responded to their win by recording a social media video in which they chanted “Are you watching, Donald Trump?”
The US president had attended the first day’s play.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images
Article Link: PGA of America head apologises for Ryder Cup abuse