Matt Fitzpatrick Accuses PGA President Don Rea of Bitterness During Ryder Cup Presentation

Matt Fitzpatrick accused PGA of America president Don Rea of displaying bitterness during the Ryder Cup trophy presentation after Team Europe's 15-13 victory at Bethpage Black. Fitzpatrick and teammate Justin Rose felt Rea's congratulations were insincere, noting he said Europe had "retained" rather than won the Ryder Cup, which they found dismissive. The European players also endured hostile and abusive behavior from some American fans, particularly targeting Rory McIlroy, whose wife was even hit by a beer thrown from the crowd. While PGA CEO Derek Sprague planned to apologize for the crowd's conduct, Rea downplayed the incidents, comparing them to similar behavior during the 2021 Ryder Cup in Rome, a comparison Fitzpatrick found offensive to European fans. USA captain Keegan Bradley described the home fans as "passionate" and refrained from condemning their actions, contrasting with the European team's frustration with the reception. Fitzpatrick praised European fans for their positive support in contrast to the small but vocal abusive minority among American supporters.