PGA President finally apologises to Rory McIlroy and Europe over Ryder Cup fury

Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica have finally received an apology from PGA of America President Don Rea after his controversial Ryder Cup remarks about the crowd at Bethpage, according to a report in bunkered. 

The Scottish publication's Michael McEwan has seen an email sent to the PGA of America’s membership by Rea on Thursday afternoon.

Whether Rea has verbally apologised to McIlroy, his wife and the rest of Luke Donald's Team Europe remains to be seen. 

The PGA of America President finally admitted in his email, see below, that "some fan behaviour clearly crossed the line".

In stark contrast to his comments to BBC Sport on Sunday that he "hadn't heard some of that" when asked to speak about the verbal abuse and insults that McIlroy and his wife Erica received from some unruly fans on Saturday. 

Rea then further ruffled feathers when claiming the crowd atmosphere at Bethpage was similar to Marco Simone at the 2023 Ryder Cup.

"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."

Watch Rea's controversial interview here:

GolfMagic was inside the ropes following McIlroy's every move at the Ryder Cup. 

The Northern Irishman was subjected to shocking insults and homophobic slurs, especially on Saturday afternoon.

McIlroy's wife Erica was also targeted with regular insults and she even had a drink thrown at her head. 

Rea then defended his comments from Bethpage in a LinkedIn post on Wednesday.

He claimed he was "not bothered" about the backlash he was receiving from the Ryder Cup.

Fast forward some 24 hours, and Rea has seemingly had a change of heart by posting an email of apology, as McEwan reveals here: 

"I would also like to apologise personally to them [McIlroy and his wife Erica] and all of you for not representing our association in the best light with some of my comments in the media during the event," read Rea's email.

He added: "While it wasn’t my intention, some of my comments were seen in a negative light which reflects poorly on not only myself but also on the PGA of America and for that I truly apologise."

Scroll below to read the email, obtained by bunkered, that was sent to PGA of America's membership on Thursday...

Let me begin with what we must own. 

While the competition was spirited – especially with the US team’s rally on Sunday afternoon – some fan behaviour clearly crossed the line. It was disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative of who we are as the PGA or as PGA of America Golf Professionals. We condemn that behaviour unequivocally.

What makes our sport great is that we own our bogeys. We certainly own this one. Our CEO Derek Sprague has apologised on our behalf to Erica and Rory McIlroy and to everyone with Ryder Cup Europe.

I would also like to apologise personally to them and all of you for not representing our association in the best light with some of my comments in the media during the event.

While it wasn’t my intention, some of my comments were seen in a negative light which reflects poorly on not only myself but also on the PGA of America and for that I truly apologise.

Moving forward, we will continue to promote the passioante and respectful support for both teams, and we’ll evaluate ways to more quickly identify and remove those few who discredit the Ryder Cup and the game of golf through personal or derogatory remarks.

Matt Fitzpatrick accused Rea of "bitterness" during the trophy presentation on Sunday. 

Fitzpatrick took aim with the fact Rea said Europe "retained" the Ryder Cup.

Europe saw out a 15-13 victory on Sunday to become the first away team to win the Ryder Cup since Medinah in 2012. 

What did you make of Rea's comments at the Ryder Cup?

What did you make of the verbal abuse and insults aimed at McIlroy and his wife?

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