European Ryder Cup star hits back at president of PGA: "He clearly wasn't there"

Europe's Matthew Fitzpatrick has hit back at the president of the PGA of America over his comments about US fan behaviour during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. 

Don Rea was heavily criticised for failing to condemn the select few who decided to direct abuse towards the European team last week in New York. 

Reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy was the primary target - particularly during his thrilling Saturday afternoon fourballs match with Shane Lowry against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young. 

Extra state troopers were called in and even Thomas implored the home fans to stop hurling personal insults towards the pair. Lowry said Thomas later apologised on their behalf. 

Rea told the BBC that he wasn't aware of what happened in the match. He also pointed to the abuse Patrick Cantlay received when the Ryder Cup was held in Italy two years ago. 

Thousands of European fans goaded Cantlay over the fact he did not wear a team cap. The widely assumed explanation was that the American golfer was protesting over not being compensated.

Team USA were paid last week for the first time in the history of the matches and Cantlay wore a cap. He denied that he was ever protesting, insisting the cap didn't fit. 

"It happened when we were in Rome on the other side and Rory understands… things like that are going to happen and I don’t know what was said," Rea said. 

Fitzpatrick - who said he was targeted at Bethpage for wearing braces and Skechers - believes that there was a clear difference to what unfolded in Rome. 

"Obviously in Rome there was the whole incident [with Cantlay] it was a creative chant, it was hilarious and that to me is what makes the European fans so about and that's what makes the atmosphere so good. 

"I don't have any worries about European fans. What the 

"The PGA of America guy said about it was the same in Rome, he clearly wasn't there. 

"I guess he wasn't there or he must have been listening to something else because it was just never the case that it was anything like that. It's always been playful and just banter, really."

Fitzpatrick added: "I saw the interview with the PGA guy discussing about it was the same in Rome. It's pretty offensive to European fans the fact that he said that, really.

"You know, I don't want to speak on behalf of everyone but we did feel there was a little bit of bitterness when we got to the - when they presented the trophy there and shook their hands. 

"I think it was - they can't control what comes out of everyone's mouth, there's no doubt about it.

"I wouldn't say we were looking for an apology but I would say it's understandable that they would apologise. 

"I've had a number of friends who are American send messages, texts, all sorts, apologizing for the fans and saying really sorry that you had to deal with that stuff.

"But we knew what we were going to deal with going in. 

"Luke and the team did such an amazing job with that; you over prepare so that actually when you get there, we expected this, anyway. So it wasn't an issue."

Fitzpatrick also said he didn't believe Rea's comments during the trophy presentation were heartfelt. 

Rea congratulated Europe for "retaining" the Cup instead of outright winning it. 

"Me and Rosey both looked at each other as if to say, that wasn't a very heartfelt congratulations," Fitzpatrick said. 

Fitzpatrick is back in action this week at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. 

He is playing the tournament with his mum Sue and brother Alex. Dad Russell is also in attendance. 

Fitzpatrick's parents decided not to attend the Ryder Cup last week, in part because of the abuse the European team were subjected to at Whistling Straits in 2021. 

"They were watching all week," Fitzpatrick said. "I was in contact with them over text, asking how it was. I shared the ins and outs of the atmosphere. I think they were pretty happy with the decision."