Ryder Cup Fallout Continues As PGA of America Leaders Take Heat

Fallout from the chaotic crowds at the Ryder Cup continues to persist, even with many European players back across the pond celebrating their 15–13 win over the Americans last weekend.

With the PGA of America being blamed by many for not preventing the poor fan behavior at Bethpage Black Golf Course, several European team members have taken exception with the organization’s leaders.

At issue are comments made by PGA of America president Don Rea Jr. to BBC on Sunday morning that gained steam after the Ryder Cup concluded. When asked about the insults fans made to Rory McIlroy, Rea said, “I haven’t heard some of that; I’m sure it’s happened. It happens when we’re over in Rome on the other side, and Rory understands. … Things like that are going to happen.”

On Wednesday, Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, who had a 2-1-1 record in New York, criticized Rea’s response. “It’s pretty offensive to European fans the fact that he said that, really,” he said at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. “I don’t want to speak on behalf of everyone, but we did feel there was a little bit of bitterness when they presented the trophy.”

Fitzpatrick specifically called out PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague, too. “Me and [Justin Rose] both looked at each other as if to say, that wasn’t a very heartfelt congratulations, I know that,” he said. “And he said we only retained it, but actually we won it.” Sprague spoke with Golf Channel on Tuesday and said there is “no place” in golf for the poor fan behavior that occurred last weekend.

Piling On

Fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton agreed with Fitzpatrick on the ill-advised U.S.-Europe crowd comparisons. “Personally, I don’t think they were close at all,” said Hatton, who was 3-0-1 at Bethpage. “I certainly, with what I heard last week, I don’t think Rome comes anywhere near that. To be honest, personally, I don’t agree with what they both said there. I don’t know what else to add to that. I think they are quite far apart, to be honest.”

In the wake of the criticism, Rea took to LinkedIn to address the situation. “Couple thoughts. This is my profile not the PGA’s,” he wrote Wednesday. “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.” 

Rea also included a link to a sermon he gave in Arizona, where he lives, and added, “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.”