PGA president "not bothered" at backlash over Rory McIlroy claims at Ryder Cup

PGA of America president Don Rea is apparently unfazed by critics of his attitude towards the unruly fan behaviour at last week's Ryder Cup in New York.

Rea was pressed on the subject ahead of Sunday's singles matches in New York, when he claimed he hadn't heard any verbal insults or abuse directed at McIlroy, in particular.

McIlroy, was abused verbally on just about every hole during his foursomes and fourballs matches, with the worst of it on Saturday afternoon as he and Shane Lowry had a number of hecklers ejected during their win over Justin Thomas and Cameron Young.

GolfMagic knows first-hand as we covered the Northern Irishman's every move for three days from inside the ropes at Bethpage.

McIlroy was the main target as he received just about every possible insult in the book from a minority of American spectators whose comments crossed the line, some of which included homophobic slurs.

Extra state troopers were called in and even Thomas was heard to tell the home fans to "shut the f*** up" and stop hurling personal insults towards the pair. Lowry also revealed that Thomas later apologised on their behalf. 

"I haven't heard some of that," said Rea in an interview with BBC Sport. "I'm sure it's happened, you know it happens when we're over in Rome the other side, and Rory understands.

"I thought he handled the press conference yesterday amazingly, but yeah things like that are going to happen and I don't know what was said."

Rea's handling of the situation has been met with widespread criticism, with Matt Fitzpatrick accusing him of "bitterness" ahead of the trophy presentation at Bethpage.

Fitzpatrick was perplexed that Rea had alluded to the fans' treatment of Patrick Cantlay two years ago in Rome, when he allegedly refused to wear a team cap in an apparent protest that the players were not getting paid.

"Obviously in Rome there was the whole incident [with Cantlay] it was a creative chant," said Fitzpatrick. "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 PGA of America guy said about it being 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.

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

Rea has come under fire for his attitude, as well as his comments, but he took to LinkedIn to issue a message of defiance.

"Couple thoughts," he wrote. "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 and just like when I was an umpire I expect it. 

"However to the students and PGA members that follow me, know this, I am not bothered. 

"I know who I ultimately serve. When I wrote this sermon 3 years ago I meant it and today I am living it. The truth is still the truth. New level. New devil."