Luke Donald reveals the shocking comments aimed at Rory McIlroy and his wife at Ryder Cup

Luke Donald has slammed the PGA of America's handling of the fan abuse largely aimed at Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage in New York, following an interview with The Times. 

Donald, 48, has specifically hit out at PGA of America President Don Rea, who shockingly admitted during the contest that the crowd atmosphere and insults were similar at both Bethpage and Marco Simone (2023). 

In the eyes of Donald, and just about everyone else on the planet, the abuse from a minority of New Yorkers didn't just cross a line at the Ryder Cup but broke it.  

GolfMagic knows first-hand just how bad the abuse got for McIlroy as we followed his every move inside the ropes on the weekend. 

McIlroy and his wife Erica were subject to constant verbal abuse and insults, some of which were homophobic slurs, especially during his Saturday afternoon fourballs match alongside Shane Lowry. 

At one stage, Lowry was held back by his caddie as he attempted to go after one fan who was hurling abuse at his best pal; watch below. 

Erica even had to leave the match at one point such was the volatility of fan abuse, something Donald highlights in his quotes below. 

The European duo somehow managed to keep their cool and composure to defeat Cameron Young and Justin Thomas on Saturday afternoon 2up, but their fourballs match ended with one unruly American fan hurling a drink towards McIlroy's wife Erica, which hit her on the back of the head, as you can see in the video above. 

PGA President Rea initially failed to apologise for the abuse, likening it to that of Marco Simone in Rome during the 2023 Ryder Cup. 

Watch Rea's controversial interview here:

Days after Europe saw out a gutsy 15-13 victory, where Lowry silenced the Americans with his winning putt on the 18th green, Rea eventually apologised to Team Europe and specifically McIlroy and his wife. 

But three months on and Donald has not only taken time to consider the disappointing actions of the PGA of America, especially Rea, but also shed more insight into the shocking comments McIlroy and his wife Erica experienced at Bethpage — some of which were aimed at their five-year-old daughter Poppy. 

"That was disappointing because anyone who was in Rome and New York knew it was completely different," Donald told The Times of the PGA of America's handling of fan abuse at the 2025 Ryder Cup. 

"Singing 'hats off to your bank account' [as European fans sung towards Patrick Cantlay at the 2023 Ryder Cup] is slightly different to 'f*** your five-year-old' or whatever it was, and this wasn't just one or two guys, it was hundreds, maybe thousands.

"As a leader, you have a responsibility. Nobody's perfect. We all makes mistakes and f*** up. Just own up to it. Just say 'we should've done more, this isn't acceptable and we will do better next time.' 

"I would've loved to have heard that message rather than 'well it happens and it happened over there'. I don't think that's what leaders should do." 

• Luke Donald reveals when he'll make 2027 captain decision

Donald also revealed in his interview with The Times that his wife Diane has given her full backing should her husband wish to remain on as captain at Adare Manor in 2027. 

The 48-year-old is currently contemplating whether to keep hold of the captain's armband with outright history on the line. 

Donald led the Europeans to a second straight victory at Bethpage Black. 

With it, the popular Englishman became the first captain since his compatriot Tony Jacklin to win two Ryder Cup contests on the bounce.

No captain in the 100-year history of the Ryder Cup come 2027 has lifted the famous trophy three times in a row.

Europe became the first away team to win the biennial contest since last doing so at Medinah in 2012.

Donald now has a huge decision to make during the off-season, and that is whether to stick or twist.

The former World No.1 has been given permission to take his time over the decision by his bosses at the DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Europe.

Donald has not only revealed his wife Diane has provided a green light for Adare Manor, but also many of the players too.

"I talked to a few of the players and everyone I’ve spoken to would like me to do it again, and that means a lot," Donald told The Times.

"I’ve obviously thought about it, but I don’t feel like I’m in a big rush," he added, before explaining his wife Diane "enjoyed the home one more too, and she loves Adare [Manor], she loves Ireland, so she would be all for it." 

But despite having the backing of those around him, Donald has cast doubt he'll attempt a record three-peat as captain.

"I feel like I’ve proved enough," said Donald.

"It is a lot of work. My eldest daughter has two-and-a-half more years of school, so I’d be away a little bit more than I’d like before she goes to college.

"I’d like to understand if I’m able to pick the best players [in reference to the eligibility of LIV players]. Do I push my luck? I’m trying to enjoy this one.

"I’ll seriously think about it in the new year."