Bethpage Black, NY – PGA of America President Jim Rea issued a formal apology Thursday for the behavior of spectators at the 2023 Ryder cup held at Bethpage Black, acknowledging that fans “crossed the line” with abusive behavior directed toward European players and their families. The apology comes days after Rea initially appeared to downplay the incidents in a BBC interview.
The controversy erupted during the competition as reports surfaced of hostile and offensive language hurled at players,especially Rory McIlroy,and his wife,Erica.European team member Matt Fitzpatrick criticized Rea’s comparison of the abuse to that experienced by European fans during the Ryder Cup in Rome, calling it “pretty offensive.” Lowry described the abuse directed at McIlroy’s wife as “astonishing.”
Rea’s initial response,stating the behavior was comparable to that at a youth soccer game and distracted American players,drew widespread criticism. He also claimed to not have personally heard some of the abuse directed at McIlroy, adding, “Things like that are going to happen.”
PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague announced tuesday he would personally apologize to McIlroy and his wife, Erica, a former PGA employee, stating, “Rory might have been a target because of how good he is, but the entire European team should not have been subjected to that.”
Rea’s Thursday letter marked a shift in tone. “What makes our sport great is that we own our bogeys. We certainly own this one,” he wrote. “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 apologize.”
The incident at bethpage Black, a course known for its outspoken fans, echoes past controversies. In 2014, then-PGA President Ted Bishop was forced to resign after a social media post containing an offensive remark about european player Ian Poulter. The PGA of America initially selected Bethpage Black as the 2023 Ryder Cup host in 2013, under Bishop’s presidency and with Pete Bevacqua serving as CEO.
The 2025 Ryder Cup is scheduled to be held at Bethpage Black, raising questions about future fan conduct and preventative measures.
