NEW YORK — The PGA of America’s chief executive issued an apology Thursday to Rory McIlroy, his wife Erica Stoll, and the European Ryder Cup team after a weekend of disturbing fan behavior at Bethpage Black. The gesture comes amid criticism over chants, heckling and the throwing of a beer can directed at McIlroy and others during the tournament.
Fan Conduct Sparks Outrage at Ryder Cup
The controversy erupted during the Ryder Cup’s first tee ceremony, when comedian Heather McMahan, acting as master of ceremonies, led a vulgar chant targeting McIlroy. The chant, which included “Fuck you, Rory,” reverberated through speakers and quickly spread online. McMahan later resigned from her emcee role.
The tournament atmosphere deteriorated further when a beer can struck McIlroy’s wife, Erica, and supporters taunted various European players. During one round, McIlroy responded to persistent heckling by turning toward spectators and exclaiming, “Guys, shut the f— up.”
Europe ultimately clinched a 15-13 victory over the United States, but the celebration was shadowed by the misconduct.
PGA CEO Issues Apology, Vows Change
Derek Sprague, the PGA of America CEO, acknowledged the misconduct and said he plans to send personal apologies to Rory and Erica. “I haven’t spoken to Rory or Erica, but I do plan on sending an email with my heartfelt apologies because of what occurred,” Sprague told Golf Channel. He also expressed that while McIlroy’s prominence may have made him a target, other members of the European side were equally affected.
Sprague added, “It’s unfortunate that people crossed the line last week … there’s no place for that at the Ryder Cup.”
PGA President Don Rea initially downplayed fan behavior, comparing it to excitement at youth sports events, but later issued a public acknowledgment that the conduct “clearly crossed the line.”
“I’m the CEO now. I don’t condone this type of behavior … we will do better in the future.” — Derek Sprague, PGA of America CEO
Players, Officials, and the Golf Community Respond
European players and observers were quick to condemn the behavior. Matt Fitzpatrick criticized remarks by PGA leadership that too leniently interpreted the crowd’s actions. Golf legend Tom Watson expressed shame over the events and extended an apology to the European side.
A European team spokesperson described the environment as “disturbing and unacceptable,” urging U.S. golf officials to restore decorum. Among them, McIlroy’s close friend and teammate Shane Lowry defended him publicly, emphasizing that athletes and families should not have to endure abusive behavior.
In resigning from her MC role, McMahan released a short apology, saying that hosting duties led her astray under pressure. “Heather McMahan has extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee,” the PGA said in a statement.
Sprague said he intends to meet with European golf officials to align on conduct protocols and ensure future tournaments reflect respect and sportsmanship. He also pledged internal reviews of event policies and fan management procedures.
Industry watchers expect that future Ryder Cup hosts — including the 2027 event in Ireland — will face heightened scrutiny over crowd control, emcee responsibilities, and spectator behavior. Many believe the PGA must enact clearer accountability and stricter enforcement to prevent a repetition of the Bethpage controversy.