After initially comparing the behavior of Ryder Cup fans at Bethpage Black to parents at a youth soccer game — and later stating on social media that he was unfazed by criticism — Don Rea, President of the PGA of America, reversed course this week. Rea issued a strong condemnation of fans who verbally harassed Rory McIlroy, his wife Erica McIlroy, and other members of the European team.
Rea, the owner of Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona, is currently serving a two-year term as the 44th president of the PGA. In a BBC interview on Sunday, he initially downplayed the severity of the crowd’s conduct.
“Well, you have 50,000 people there that are really excited, and heck, you can go to a youth soccer game and get some people who say the wrong things,” Rea said.
When asked specifically about the abuse directed at McIlroy, he responded, “I haven’t heard some of that. I’m sure it’s happened … Rory understands things like that are going to happen.”
Following the interview, Rea took to LinkedIn to address the backlash, writing:
“Couple thoughts. This is my profile, not the PGA’s. That being said, thank you to all that have reached out to me as a friend and golf industry leader. I’m personally taking some criticism right now and that comes with the role… I am not bothered. I know who I ultimately serve… New level. New devil. 💪🏻🙏🏻🇺🇸”
However, by Thursday, Rea had shifted his stance. According to a report by the Associated Press’ Doug Ferguson, Rea sent a letter to PGA of America members acknowledging the inappropriate behavior and expressing regret.
“Let me begin with what we must own. While the competition was spirited — especially with the U.S. team’s rally on Sunday afternoon — some fan behavior clearly crossed the line,” Rea wrote. “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.”
Rea’s statement followed comments from PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague, who addressed the incident on Golf Channel. Sprague noted that the organization had worked with New York State Police and other agencies to manage crowd control, but admitted that the damage had already been done.
“There’s no place for that at the Ryder Cup, no place for it in the game of golf, and we are not happy with what happened last week,” Sprague said. “I haven’t spoken to Rory or Erica, but I do plan on sending them an email with my heartfelt apologies.”
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