Golf has always been the sport of polished executives in crisp suits. They shake hands firmly. They speak in measured tones. They maintain decorum even during crises. Well, not anymore. A video of Don Rea, singing emerged from Bethpage Black during the 2025 Ryder Cup that shattered every expectation.

The video showed the 58-year-old PGA of America President, who grabbed a microphone Saturday night. He belted out Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” in a hotel lounge. The moment went viral for all the wrong reasons.

The Shotgun Start posted the footage on X. Tom Kershaw was the first to report the incident. The video racked up massive views almost immediately. Rea stood there, phone in hand, rapping Eminem lyrics with enthusiastic conviction. Team supporters filled the room around him.

The irony here is. Team USA was drowning at 11.5-4.5 when this happened. European players had endured homophobic slurs all day. Someone threw beer at Rory McIlroy‘s wife, Erica. The event was spiraling into chaos. And the PGA President chose that moment to perform rap karaoke.

The timing couldn’t have been worse. Europe had dominated Friday’s sessions 5.5-2.5. Saturday brought more pain with back-to-back 3-1 drubbings. Scottie Scheffler went 0-4 in team matches. The world’s top player couldn’t buy a win. Meanwhile, Rea was losing himself in Eminem’s lyrics instead of addressing the crisis.

The internet exploded with reactions. One fan captured the absurdity perfectly: “This…. this is the good stuff.” They appreciated the raw, unfiltered moment of executive chaos. Golf’s corporate polish had finally cracked.

Another fan wondered about the timing: “Why did he have to wait until Saturday to do this? If he does it on Thursday USA wins in a blowout.” They had a point. The Americans struggled mightily on opening day. Maybe Rea’s motivational anthem would’ve helped earlier.

The career commentary hit different: “This guy is in charge of things. I can’t even get a promotion.” Rea had spent 22 years climbing the PGA ranks. He became the 44th President in November 2024. Now he was karaoke-ing during golf’s biggest crisis.

Then came the statistical observation: “All I’m saying is the U.S. team was 4.5-11.5 before he did this and 8.5-3.5 after.” Actually, they weren’t wrong. Team USA delivered a record-tying Sunday singles performance. They won 8.5-3.5 in individual matches. Cameron Young clinched on 18. Justin Thomas followed with his own birdie bomb. Scheffler finally beat McIlroy. The comeback nearly worked.

PGA President Don Rea faces mockery as fans weigh leadership failure

The hyperbole ramped up: “This is bigger than watergate.” CNN covered it. ESPN ran segments. International golf media couldn’t resist. Fans shared strange reactions that captured both humor and outrage about the incident’s timing.

Finally, the ultimate comparison: “My personal opinion is this video might be better content than Rory winning the Masters.” Golf fans crave authenticity over corporate polish. They got it in spades with Rea’s performance.

The irony cuts deep. “Lose Yourself” became a sports anthem due to its powerful message. Seize your moment. Rise to pressure. Make the most of crucial opportunities. Eminem won an Academy Award for writing about not missing your shot.

Rea had his shot Saturday night. His organization faced unprecedented fan abuse. Players needed protection. Families deserved safety. Instead, he chose karaoke over crisis management.

He later compared the Bethpage crowd to a “youth soccer game.” That BBC interview on Sunday morning made things worse. His LinkedIn post declared he wasn’t “bothered” by criticism. Eventually, mounting pressure forced a formal apology on October 3.

Europe won 15-13 despite the American surge. Shane Lowry’s half-point with Russell Henley sealed it. The golf was spectacular. The leadership wasn’t. Don Rea’s “Lose Yourself” moment will define his presidency. He literally lost himself in the music while his organization burned. Sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones you’d rather forget.