Don Rea Jr., president of the PGA of America, has issued a formal apology after initially downplaying the abuse directed at European players during the 2025 Ryder Cup. The apology came after widespread backlash for his earlier dismissal of the incident as no worse than what might be heard at a youth soccer game.
In an email to PGA of America members, Rea acknowledged the disrespectful behavior of some fans at the event, clarifying that such conduct “crossed the line.” He condemned the actions, stating that they were “inappropriate” and not representative of the values upheld by the PGA of America. Rea emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and that the PGA stands against it unequivocally.
The Ryder Cup, held at Bethpage State Park in New York, saw Europe’s players subjected to verbal abuse, including homophobic slurs, insults directed at players’ wives, and even physical aggression. Rory McIlroy’s wife, Erica, was struck by a thrown beer can, and McIlroy himself had to address a heckler during play. The abuse was so severe that McIlroy was prompted to speak out, telling one spectator to “shut the fuck up” during a match.
Rea’s initial comments minimizing the abuse caused outrage among players and fans alike. In an interview, he compared the behavior to what might occur at a youth soccer game, implying that it was not out of the ordinary. This statement was met with criticism from European players like Matt Fitzpatrick and Shane Lowry, who found the comparison offensive.
After the criticism, PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague also addressed the incident, promising to personally apologize to McIlroy and his wife for the mistreatment they experienced. In his Thursday email, Rea expressed regret for his earlier remarks, recognizing that they had been taken poorly and reflected badly on the organization.
Rea’s letter concluded with a reaffirmation of support for the American team and a commitment to learning from the incident. The apology marks a notable reversal from his earlier stance and underlines the PGA’s intention to handle such matters with greater sensitivity in the future.
