When fans cross the line, you expect leaders to step up. But at Bethpage Black during the Ryder Cup, the chaos unleashed by unruly spectators left many shaking their heads, especially after Team Europe was targeted with vile abuse. The fallout? PGA of America president Don Rea found himself in the eye of the storm, with fans accusing him of dodging accountability.

In a recent post on X, golf journalist Michael McEwan didn’t hold back, delivering a sharp dig aimed directly at Rea’s tone-deaf reaction. Picking up on Rea’s nonchalant confession—”I am not bothered”—McEwan wrote: “Doubling-down is a very bold strategy, Don,” highlighting what many saw as an astonishing lack of accountability from the PGA president. The quote in question came from Rea’s own social media post.

“A couple of thoughts. This is my profile, not the PGA’s. That being said, thank you to all who have reached out to me as a friend and golf industry leader. 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 who follow me, know this: I am not bothered. I know who I ultimately serve. When I wrote this sermon 3 years ago, I meant it, and today I am living it. The truth is still the truth. New level. New devil,” Rea posted via his LinkedIn.

For many, this underwhelming message felt less like leadership and more like deflection. Rather than directly addressing the disturbing fan behavior witnessed at Bethpage, Rea seemed focused on protecting his personal brand—doubling down instead of stepping up.

It all unfolded when Don Rea was pressed about fan behaviour during Day 2 of the Ryder Cup. Rory McIlroy endured a shocking level of abuse— slurs echoed through the crowd, culminating with an incident where beer was thrown at his wife, Erica. Not just that, but his playing partner, Shane Lowry, also faced hostile treatment, with jeers and taunts about his physical appearance.

It was the kind of behavior that crossed every line of decency, drawing sharp criticism from players, media, and fans alike. While many expected the atmosphere at the Ryder Cup to be wild, the vicious crowd at Bethpage created a hostile environment that marred what should’ve been a celebration of elite golf. And when leadership was expected to step in, Don Rea’s response fell flat, leaving many to wonder if the PGA of America was truly prepared to handle all the chaos that erupted.

When pressed about the fan behavior, Rea’s response was, to put it mildly, disappointing. “It happened when we were in Rome on the other side, and Rory understands … 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,” Rea told the BBC on Sunday.

He claimed he hadn’t heard much about the abuse, sidestepping responsibility and leaving many wondering if the PGA leadership truly grasps the severity of the situation. This moment revealed a troubling disconnect—and the PGA president’s lack of accountability has only fueled the fire. And even several players, including Matt Fitzpatrick, were critical of Rea’s response.

Matt Fitzpatrick Criticizes PGA President’s Comments

Even days after the Ryder Cup dust had settled, Don Rea’s reaction hasn’t been forgotten, and Matt Fitzpatrick wasn’t about to let Don Rea off the hook. Speaking ahead of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Wednesday, the Englishman took a sharp aim at him. “The interview with the PGA guy saying it was the same in Rome. That’s pretty offensive to European fans,” Fitzpatrick stated, calling Rea’s comments offensive.

The fire started when Rea, speaking to the BBC, tried to downplay the abuse hurled at Rory McIlroy by suggesting the crowds at Bethpage Black were no different from those at Marco Simone in Rome. Fitzpatrick wasn’t having it. “What the PGA of America guy said about it being the same in Rome—he clearly wasn’t there,” he said. “Either he wasn’t there or he was listening to something else, because it was never like that. It’s always been playful, just banter,” he added.

But Fitzpatrick didn’t stop there. He also hinted at lingering bitterness from Rea, even during the trophy presentation. “I don’t want to speak for everyone, but we felt a bit of bitterness during the trophy presentation and handshake,” he said. “Me Rosie [Justin Rose] looked at each other, thinking the congratulations didn’t feel very heartfelt. He said we only retained it, but actually, we won it,” a frustrated Fitzpatrick confessed. It may have been a subtle moment, but it captured just how deep the rivalry and the resentment run between the two teams.