PGA of America President Apologizes for Dismissing Fans’ Bad Behavior at Ryder Cup

The leader of the PGA of America first downplayed the ugly scene at Bethpage Black and has since apologized to Rory and Erica McIlroy and the European team.

PGA of America president Don Rea faced considerable backlash for his initial comments downplaying poor fan behavior at Bethpage Black. / Sam Hodde/Getty Images

After first dismissing the poor fan behavior in the Ryder Cup and then seemingly doubling down with a social media post reiterating his views, the president of the PGA of America has issued an apology via an email to PGA of America members.

Don Rea, who in a BBC Sport interview Sunday at Bethpage Black ahead of the final-day singles competition downplayed the various weekend incidents as nothing more than what would occur at a youth soccer game, also said an apology has gone to Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica, in the wake of extreme abuse directed at both during the competition, which was won by Europe 15–13.

🚨🏆🏌️ #WATCH: PGA of America President, Don Rea spoke on verbal abuse toward Rory at the Ryder Cup: “I haven't heard some of that. I'm sure it's happened, it happens when we're over in Rome on the other side, & Rory understands..

(@BBCNews, @MMcEwanGolf)pic.twitter.com/Jppgpy8FOY

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) September 30, 2025

“Let me begin with what we must own,” Rae wrote in an email Thursday afternoon. “While the competition was spirited—especially with the U.S. team’s rally on Sunday afternoon—some fan behavior clearly crossed the line. 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.

“What makes our sport great is that we own our bogeys. We certainly own this one. Our CEO Derek Sprague has apologized on our behalf to Erica and Rory McIlroy and to everyone with Ryder Cup Europe. I would also like to personally apologize to them and all of you for not representing our association in the best light with some of my comments in the media during the event. While it wasn’t my intention, some of my comments 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.”

Rea has faced considerable backlash for his comments after it was clear via video, eyewitness accounts and the players themselves that spectator actions were excessive, including rude and lewd comments, throwing a beer on Erica McIlroy and interrupting play by yelling while players were about to address the ball, causing them to back off several times.

Among others, two-time U.S. Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson posted on social media that he was embarrassed by the actions of American fans.

I’d like to congratulate @RyderCupEurope on their victory. Your team play the first few days was sensational.

More importantly, I’d like to apologize for the rude and mean-spirited behavior from our American crowd at Bethpage.

As a former player, Captain and as an American, I…

— Tom Watson (@TomWatsonPGA) September 29, 2025