Fri, October 03, 2025
PGA of America CEO apologies to McIlroy family due to Ryder Cup abuse
The Professional Golfers’ Association of America CEO Derek Sprague will apologise to the family of professional Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy for the abuse they faced during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, New York. Europe was victorious over the United States during the tournament 15-13. Sprague voiced that the abuse McIlroy and the European team faced during the Ryder Cup by American fans “crossed the line.”
This included verbal insults and heckling, with fans repeatedly swearing at McIlroy. Irish professional golfer Shane Lowry also faced abuse about his weight. The fans also made homophobic comments. McIlroy’s wife Erica Stoll was hit by a beer can which was thrown by a spectator. The Master of Ceremonies Heather McMahan also joined in with abusing McIlroy, which later caused her to step down. Some American spectators also intentionally hurled the abuse whilst the European golfers were addressing the ball.
McIlroy described the behaviour as “unacceptable” and “off-limits.”
He stated: “I chirped back because it got to me a few times, but we tried to handle everything that came our way with class and poise, and for the most part, I felt like we did that…
It was a rough week for all of us. But at the same time, we shut them up by our performance.”
Sprague told the Golf Channel: “It’s unfortunate that people crossed the line last week…
There’s no place for that at the Ryder Cup, no place for it in the game of golf and we are not happy with what happened last week…
I haven’t spoken to Rory or Erica but I do plan on sending them an email with my heartfelt apologies because of what occurred.”
Despite this, some are still outraged by PGA of America President Don Rea Jr’s comments as he initially stated that the abuse was no worse than at “a youth soccer game.”
The 2027 Ryder Cup will be held at Adare Manor in Ireland.
