Don Rea, the President of the PGA of America, has faced criticism over his response to the behaviour of fans at the Ryder Cup in New York.
Rory McIlroy was targeted by fans during the event, including an incident where a beer was thrown at him and his wife. Rea addressed it by suggesting these incidents are to be expected in large crowds.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “Well, you have 50,000 people there that are really excited and – heck – you can go to a youth soccer game and get some people who say the wrong things.
“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. But all I know is golf, the engine of good.”
Matt Fitzpatrick weighed in on those words by stating: “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.”
Instead of apologising for the fan backlash, Rea issued a strange statement on social media.
Don Rea stands by comments about Rory McIlroy following the Ryder Cup
Fitzpatrick’s remarks struck a chord with many fans on both sides of the Atlantic, and given Rea’s position representing 31,000 PGA of America members, there was an expectation he would address the criticism with an apology.
Instead, he wrote on LinkedIn: “Couple thoughts. 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.”
The post references a sermon Rea delivered three years ago for Bethel Chandler’s YouTube channel titled “New Level, New Devil,” which discusses how spiritual growth brings new challenges.
Rea does not appear to be backing down from his stance anytime soon. That could become an issue for the PGA of America as CEO Derek Sprague has already voiced his frustration over how events played out during the week.
If there is going to be any alignment within the organisation moving forward, someone will need to give ground first.
Europe sending clear message after behaviour at 2025 Ryder Cup
There was the usual back-and-forth with chants and jeers aimed at the Americans in Rome, but nothing reached the intensity of what happened at Bethpage Black.
Afterwards, McIlroy made it clear that Team Europe will make sure similar scenes do not play out when the event heads to Adare Manor in 2027.
“This should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup. But we will be making sure to say to our fans in Ireland in 2027, what happened here this week is not acceptable,” the Northern Irishman said.
- READ MORE: Keegan Bradley’s Ryder Cup call labelled as ‘absolute travesty’ by former PGA Tour player
Justin Thomas spent much of Sunday trying to calm things down between McIlroy and the crowd. While he did try to rally home support at times, it never came across as targeting the 36-year-old.
At points, Thomas appeared embarrassed by how some fans were acting. The American even apologised on behalf of Shane Lowry’s group during their match on Sunday.
It is unlikely we will see anything similar when the Ryder Cup heads to Ireland, but McIlroy has already stated his intention to set expectations early for what is allowed from fans there.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
