Don Rae Jr., the president of the PGA of America, officially apologized via email to 30,000 golf professionals on Thursday regarding comments about the chants directed at Team Europe during the Ryder Cup.
Rae initially compared the vulgar remarks to those typically heard at a youth soccer game, but he has since retracted those statements in his apology.
‘Let me begin with what we must own. While the competition was spirited – especially with the U.S. team’s rally on Sunday afternoon – some fan behavior clearly crossed the line,’ Rea wrote in his letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press, to PGA of America members. ‘It was disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative of who we are as the PGA of America or as PGA of America golf professionals. We condemn that behavior unequivocally.’
European players, including Rory McIlroy, faced a significant amount of vulgar language from the crowd, with remarks aimed at their personal lives. During the Ryder Cup competition on Friday, Sept. 26, fans chanted ‘F— you, Rory’ when he appeared on the large screens around the course. McIlroy responded to the spectators, and his fellow European golfers rallied together in a show of unity to support him.
Despite the distractions from the rowdy crowd, Team Europe remained focused and ultimately claimed the trophy to become the first team to win the tournament on foreign soil since the Europeans did so in 2012.