PGA of America president Don Rea has doubled down on his comments about the behaviour of fans at the Ryder Cup, insisting he is “not bothered” by criticism despite growing pressure to resign.
Rea faced fierce backlash after dismissing the toxic atmosphere at Bethpage Black, where Rory McIlroy endured sustained abuse from spectators throughout the week. The Masters champion even had multiple fans ejected after one was caught on camera directing a homophobic slur at him. In another ugly moment, McIlroy’s wife had a drink thrown at her by a spectator on Saturday.
Yet in an interview with the BBC, Rea appeared to brush off concerns, comparing the incidents to behaviour at a “youth soccer game.” He said:
“You have 50,000 people there that are really excited and heck, you can go to a youth soccer game and get some people who say the wrong things.”
Pressed specifically about the abuse McIlroy received, Rea added:
“I haven’t heard some of that, I’m sure it’s happened. It happened when we were in Rome on the other side and Rory understands things like that are going to happen and I don’t know what was said. But all I know is that the golf engine is good.”
The remarks have sparked widespread anger among players, pundits and fans, with critics accusing Rea of downplaying serious incidents. Golf writer Michael McEwan of Bunkered argued the only solution is for Rea to step aside:
“If Rea has any sense, he will reflect – quickly – on this interview and tender his resignation forthwith.”
Despite the mounting pressure, Rea took to social media on Wednesday night to insist he will not be swayed by the calls for him to quit.
