The president of the PGA of America, who first downplayed abuse directed at the European team at this year’s Ryder Cup as no worse than a “kids' football match,” has now offered a formal apology.
“Let me begin with what we must own. While the competition was spirited – especially with the US team’s comeback on Sunday afternoon – some fan behavior obviously went too far,” the PGA president wrote in an email to PGA of America members. “It was disrespectful, unacceptable, and not representative of who we are as the PGA of America or as golf experts. We denounce such conduct without hesitation.”
Incidents of Misconduct During the Competition
Throughout the recent event, the European side faced hostile remarks. An MC at the event resigned after she led chants of “Insults toward Rory” aimed at Rory McIlroy, spectators shouted offensive language at golfers, and spouses of athletes were insulted. McIlroy said his wife, Erica, was hit by a beer on Saturday afternoon’s play. The European team claimed victory on Sunday after securing a 15-13 victory.
Yet, in a television appearance on Sunday morning, Rea seemed to minimise the abuse. “There were thousands of spectators here that are really excited, and frankly, you could go to a youth soccer game and get some people who say the wrong things,” he said. He added the conduct was disrupting American players because they had to expend effort assisting in managing the crowd.
The misconduct was such that McIlroy began pushing back, telling one spectator to “shut the fuck up” in a team game on Saturday morning.
Rea additionally commented during his media talk when asked about the abuse directed at McIlroy, “I haven’t heard some of that. I believe it occurred. This occurs during we’re over in Rome on the other side, and Rory understands. Things like that are going to happen.”
Responses from Europe's Players
The European golfer Matt Fitzpatrick commented on the mention of Rome, “It’s pretty offensive to European fans the fact that he said that, really.” Shane Lowry said the extent of misconduct directed at McIlroy’s wife was “shocking.”
The PGA CEO, the CEO at the PGA of America, stated earlier this week that spectators crossed the line and that he planned to apologize directly to the McIlroy family, an ex-PGA employee.
“McIlroy could have been singled out because of how good he is, but the whole European side should not have been subjected to that,” Sprague said on a sports network. “I feel badly and I plan on apologizing to them.”
Further Criticism and Apology
Rea also took heat for an uncomfortable awards ceremony on Sunday in which he stated Europe had retained the cup, instead of earning the victory.
On Tuesday, on his professional profile, Rea wrote: “I am facing some negative feedback right now and that is part of the job and similar to when I was an umpire I anticipated it. But to the trainees and association professionals that follow me, understand this, I am unfazed.”
In Thursday’s letter, Rea was increasingly apologetic. “The greatness of golf is that we own our bogeys. We fully acknowledge this one,” Rea expressed. “The association's chief executive has apologized on our behalf to Erica and Rory McIlroy and to the European Ryder Cup organization. I would also like to personally apologize to them and all of you for failing to uphold our association in the most positive manner with certain remarks in the press during the event.
While it wasn’t my intention, several statements were seen in a negative light which reflects poorly on not only myself but also on the PGA of America and for that I truly apologize.
He concluded the message, “Best wishes and as always Support Team USA!”
Background and Previous Controversies
The PGA declared in 2013 it would host the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, the public golf course on Long Island that had a reputation for its harsh remarks toward players. A former president was the association leader and the then-CEO was the CEO at the time of the decision.
The former president was removed as president in 2014 with a remaining time on his tenure for a online comment when he insultingly called Ian Poulter as a “little girl.”
