PGA president performs major Ryder Cup U-turn as Rory McIlroy receives apology

PGA president Don Rea has at last issued an apology for his failure to condemn the behaviour of US spectators during the Ryder Cup. The mood turned sour at Bethpage Black as Team Europe charged to a 15-13 victory to reclaim the trophy they won in Rome two years earlier.

Whilst verbal hostility towards Luke Donald's squad was widespread, matters particularly escalated when Rory McIlroy's wife, Erica Stoll, reportedly had a drink hurled at her by someone in the gallery. Nevertheless, Rea declined to denounce the conduct of certain onlookers during a BBC interview following the competition's conclusion. When questioned whether boundaries had been overstepped, he said: "Well, you've 50,000 people here that are really excited and, heck, you could go to a youth soccer game and get some people who say the wrong things," before adding: "I haven't heard some of that, I'm sure it's happened," when pressed about hostility aimed at McIlroy.

He continued: "It happened when we were in Rome on the other side. Things like that are going to happen and I don't know what was said. But all I know is golf is the engine of good."

After Rea encountered significant criticism for his comments, he subsequently turned to LinkedIn to justify his decision to make those statements. There, he posted: "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 three years ago I meant it and today I am living it. The truth is still the truth. New level. New devil."

Rea seems to have had a change of heart as the PGA faces increasing calls for his dismissal. In an email sent to the PGA of America's membership on Thursday, seen by Bunkered, he wrote: "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."

He continued: "Moving forward, we will continue to promote the passionate 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."

It follows PGA chief Derek Sprague's personal apology to McIlroy and his wife following the weekend's disgraceful scenes. He said: "I do plan on sending them an email with my heartfelt apologies for what occurred.

"There's no place for that in the Ryder Cup or in the game of golf. I can't wait to reach out to Rory and Erica and really, quite frankly, the entire European team.

"The whole European team should not have been subjected to that. And because of that, I feel badly and I plan on apologising to them. When it started in 1927, it was about sportsmanship and integrity of the game, and that's what we want it to be and continue to."