It’s the end of an era for the PGA of America, after they announced that they have suspended former President Don Rea.
Rea’s term was supposed to end in November, but the PGA of America has decided to suspend that term early. He had already transitioned to focus on “member-first priorities” after the Ryder Cup, and he was noticeably absent from the PGA Championship last week.
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He has been a controversial figure at the helm of the PGA of America for several years. At the 2025 PGA Championship, he interrupted and spoke over PGA CEO David Sprague during a press conference discussion about the controversial proposed golf ball rollback.
But even more notably, Rea’s comments about the Ryder Cup fans at Bethpage Black landed him in hot water. Rea attempted to downplay the fans’ abuse towards the likes of Rory McIlroy, comparing the fan behavior to a “youth soccer game”.
So when Rea was shown the door by the PGA of America, golf fans were quick to take to social media to share their thoughts on the decision to oust him.
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
Golf fans react to Don Rea’s suspension
After the news that Rea had been removed from his role was announced, some fans took to X to celebrate. But one fan was surprised that it took so long after his comments at the Ryder Cup: “About time. What took so long???? He embarrassed the PGA of America terribly at Bethpage”.
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One fan even thought this decision could have been made after the PGA Championship, as some fans were unhappy with the venue the PGA of America went to, Aronimink, which didn’t produce the most exciting golf on Sunday.
They posted, “If he had a say in the last PGA Championship site and setup, then yes he should go or retire.”
The PGA of America is a membership organization, and ultimately, the President and all the staff work for the 30,000 members. So while they agreed with the decision, some members were unhappy that they hadn’t been consulted.
One member said, “The PGA’s failure to provide timely, meaningful and direct disclosure to the members regarding the changing status and authority of the sitting President is troublesome.
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“As a Fifty year member of the PGA this officer transition is not very transparent to the PGA Members.”
Another member replied, “100% agree. The ‘we fired him, please move on’ email was not exactly comforting on our Association’s future direction.”
A member expressed their frustration that they had no say whatsoever in this suspension, or Rea’s successor, adding, “And the paying dues members had 0 say in this decision or who succeeds him (I support this decision FWIW).”
Rea shouldn’t be the only name to walk, according to one X user, who said that anyone who allowed him to act this way over the last few years should go with him.
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They said, “End of an era. I sincerely hope the PGA of America Directors who helped elect/defend/hide Mr. Rea will tender their resignations in the coming weeks!”
With Rea gone, the PGA of America clearly has some bridge-building to do in order to rebuild trust with its membership.
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