News Summary
Derek Sprague, CEO of the PGA of America, plans to apologize to Rory McIlroy and his family after an incident of heckling during the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. The abusive behavior directed towards McIlroy prompted police intervention, impacting the player and his wife. McIlroy criticized the crowd’s conduct and pointed out the need for better security. Despite the disruptions, the European team won the event. The next Ryder Cup is set for Adare Manor in Ireland, aiming for a more respectful atmosphere.
Bethpage Black, New York – Derek Sprague, the chief executive of the PGA of America, has announced plans to formally apologize to Rory McIlroy and his family following an incident of heckling that occurred during the Ryder Cup held at the renowned Bethpage Black golf course. The incident drew significant attention due to the abusive behavior directed at McIlroy from some members of the crowd over the course of the three-day event.
Sprague has made it clear that such behavior is unacceptable within the context of the Ryder Cup and the game of golf as a whole. He expressed his dismay at the offensive taunts and interruptions McIlroy faced, which escalated to the point where the police were called in to help calm the crowd. Reports indicate that McIlroy’s wife, Erica, was also affected when a beer was thrown from the stands, striking her hat amid particularly intense moments of play.
Throughout the competition, McIlroy reportedly lost his temper on several occasions, responding to hecklers with offensive gestures and vocal outbursts during matches. The environment surrounding the event was charged, and McIlroy specifically criticized the New York crowd for their “abusive” behavior, asserting that golf should maintain a higher standard of etiquette. He also expressed disappointment over the lack of effective security measures put in place to manage the unruly audience, which frequently disrupted play.
In response to the adversity McIlroy faced, Sprague intends to reach out to both McIlroy and his wife via email to convey his “heartfelt apologies.” He acknowledged that McIlroy may have been targeted due to his talent and prominence in the sport, but underscored that respect should be afforded to all members of the European team, not just a single player.
Despite the chaos and distractions, the European team emerged victorious in the Ryder Cup, further heightening the pressure on McIlroy during the event. Prior to the tournament, the PGA of America had warned spectators about appropriate behavior and implemented additional security measures to address concerns regarding the passionate New York crowd. However, the level of abuse that transpired was noted by former players and analysts as being beyond acceptable, despite the area’s reputation for spirited audience participation.
The next Ryder Cup is confirmed to take place at Adare Manor, Ireland, in September 2027, where it is hoped that the lessons learned from the recent events will foster a more respectful atmosphere for all participants and fans alike.
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Additional Resources
- Golf.com: Bethpage Green Speeds Blame for US Ryder Cup Loss
- The Fried Egg: 2025 Ryder Cup Bethpage New York Reaction
- Fox News: Rory McIlroy Discusses Bethpage Black Fans
- Global Golf Post: Passion Required for U.S. Ryder Cup Reversal
- Golf Monthly: Rasmus Hojgaard PGA Tour Card Ryder Cup Disappointment
- Wikipedia: Ryder Cup
- Google Search: Bethpage Black
- Google Scholar: Ryder Cup 2023 McIlroy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bethpage Black
- Google News: Ryder Cup 2023
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