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The PGA's top official, who first dismissed misconduct directed at the European team at this year’s Ryder Cup as no worse than a “youth soccer game,” has now offered a formal apology.

“I want to start by stating what we must own. Although the event was competitive – particularly after the US team’s comeback on Sunday afternoon – some fan behavior obviously went too far,” the PGA president stated in a message to PGA professionals. “It showed a lack of respect, inappropriate, and not reflective of our values as the PGA of America or as golf experts. We denounce such conduct unequivocally.”

Incidents of Misconduct During the Competition

During last week’s tournament, Europe’s players were subjected to hostile remarks. An MC at the event stepped down after she led chants of “Fuck you, Rory” directed at Rory McIlroy, spectators shouted homophobic slurs at golfers, and players’ wives faced verbal attacks. McIlroy said his wife, Erica, was hit by a beer on Saturday afternoon’s play. The European team claimed victory on Sunday after securing a 15-13 victory.

However, in a BBC interview on Sunday morning, Rea appeared to downplay the abuse. “There were thousands of spectators here that are highly enthusiastic, and frankly, you could go to a youth soccer game and get some people who make inappropriate comments,” he said. He added the conduct was disrupting American players because they had to spend energy assisting in managing the crowd.

The misconduct was so severe that McIlroy began pushing back, instructing one spectator to “shut the fuck up” during a team game on Saturday morning.

Rea also said during his media talk when questioned on the abuse directed at McIlroy, “I haven’t heard some of that. I’m sure it happened. It happens when we’re over in Rome on the other side, and McIlroy is aware. Such incidents are going to happen.”

Responses from European Players

Europe’s Matt Fitzpatrick said about the mention of Rome, “It is quite insulting to European fans the fact that he said that, really.” Shane Lowry said the extent of misconduct directed at McIlroy’s wife was “shocking.”

Derek Sprague, the chief executive of the PGA of America, stated earlier this week that spectators overstepped boundaries and that he intended to say sorry directly to the McIlroy family, who formerly worked at the PGA.

“Rory might have been a target because of his exceptional skill, but the whole European side should not have been subjected to that,” Sprague said on a sports network. “I regret it and I plan on apologizing to them.”

Additional Controversy and Regret

Rea also took heat for an awkward trophy presentation on Sunday in which he mentioned Europe had retained the cup, instead of earning the victory.

Earlier this week, on his LinkedIn page, Rea posted: “I am facing some criticism right now and that comes with the role and similar to when I was an umpire I expect it. But to the trainees and association professionals that follow me, understand this, I am unfazed.”

In Thursday’s letter, Rea was increasingly apologetic. “The greatness of golf is that we own our bogeys. We fully acknowledge this one,” Rea wrote. “Our CEO Derek Sprague has expressed regret for us to the McIlroys and to the European Ryder Cup organization. I also wish to personally apologize to them and everyone for failing to uphold our association in the best light with some of my comments in the media during the event.

Although I did not mean, some of my comments were perceived negatively which damages the reputation of not only myself but also on the PGA and for that I sincerely regret.

He ended the email, “Best wishes and as always Support Team USA!”

Background and Past Incidents

The PGA of America declared in 2013 it would bring the Ryder Cup at a public course, the public golf course on Long Island that had a reputation for its raw comments directed at players. A former president was the PGA president and the then-CEO was the chief executive at the time of the decision.

Bishop was forced out as president in 2014 with a remaining time on his tenure for a online comment when he insultingly called Ian Poulter as a “lil girl.”