Europe Wins Ryder Cup; PGA Apologizes for Fan Abuse

Team Europe won the 2025 Ryder Cup 15-13 at Bethpage Black, but the tournament was overshadowed by sustained, personal and profane abuse from sections of the crowd directed largely at Rory McIlroy and other European players. PGA of America president Don Rea Jr. initially likened some chants to what might be heard at a youth soccer game but later sent a mass email to the association’s 30,000-plus members apologizing and calling the behavior “disrespectful, inappropriate” and unequivocally condemning it. During play McIlroy pushed back at the crowd, his wife Erica was nearly hit by a thrown beer cup, and a comedian/MC who took part in chants later stepped down. PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague said spectators “crossed the line” and said he plans to apologize personally to McIlroy, his wife and Team Europe. European players, including Matt Fitzpatrick, criticized Rea’s initial remarks as offensive to fans and said the team was prepared to take stronger action had the abuse continued.