The golf world is talking about the abuse that Rory McIlroy has faced, and the majority has been criticizing it. Recently, Ian Poulter and Jessica Hadwin have shown support for McIlroy after the profanity. In fact, called out the organizer responsible for it. However, interestingly, when it comes to the person in charge, he has a different opinion to share, which invites a massive backlash from fans.

Don Rea, the PGA of America president, discussed the incident calmly but in an unenlightening manner. He said, “I haven’t heard some of that, and I’m sure it has happened… Rory understands. I thought he handled the press conferences amazingly, and, yeah, things like that are going to happen.”

As the official of the PGA of America, his claim that it is normal is definitely not what fans want to hear. Earlier, when the chants against the golfer began, it was discovered that Heather McMahan, serving as the USA Team’s emcee, was responsible. The PGA of America even shared an official apology, writing, “Heather has extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup.” However, now that the president has discarded the claim and made a comparison remark with the 2023 Ryder Cup, it has left fans furious.

Ryder Cup official faces backlash after discarding the claims

Multiple videos on social media were shared showing how fans misbehaved with Rory McIlroy and the group. In fact, the officials have increased the security for McIlroy in particular, but for Rea, it was just routine. Clapping back at his statements, fans are lining up with their thoughts.

One fan wrote, “Lah lah lah!! Fingers in the ears!! Unbelievable!! Apart from the gentleman that is Tom Watson, not one American has apologised for the disgraceful behaviour of their so-called golf fans! Trailer trash more like!!” While the European side got support from external players, the American team golfers were silent on the issue. However, Tom Watson, the former Ryder Cup captain, has apologized for the fans’ behavior. He wrote on X, “I’d like to apologize for the rude and mean-spirited behavior from our American crowd at Bethpage. As a former player, captain, and as an American, I am ashamed of what happened. #RyderCup.”

Another wrote, “What an absolute prick.” Despite having ample evidence of the mishaps, including fans mocking Europeans with personal comments, throwing beer cans, and the like, the official’s light approach is not accepted by the fans.

More fans joined with criticism, writing, “He looks dumb but sounds dumber,” and “Absolutely embarrassing @PGA.” With McIlroy speaking and taking the initiative to improve the decorum, the president is steering the talks in a different direction. Interestingly, he found no issue with the crowd behaviour, praising the fact that booing makes the game improve.

Even Sean Zak posted it, saying, “There’s a lot you can say about the fans at Bethpage — but I think it’s worth starting at the source. When the leader of your org says he hasn’t heard much verbal abuse of Rory McIlroy, perhaps there wasn’t much care about it happening.” A golf reporter, present among the crowd at the 2023 Ryder Cup, has stepped up to dismiss the claim that fans exhibit similar behavior to that seen at Bethpage. In the history of the Ryder Cup, the abuse of a player has happened for the first time.

With the fans clapping back at Don Rea’s claims, the backlash spree might have begun, which is not a good sign for the PGA of America’s reputation. What do you think about it? Do you agree with the claims? Let us know in the comments below.