The Scoop: Ryder Cup drama sparks two very different responses from PGA leaders

Just days after the Ryder Cup, a golf tournament between U.S. and European players, the PGA is facing backlash over fan behavior that many players and families described as abusive.

During the tournament, American fans were seen and heard getting a bit too rowdy, yelling lewd comments towards European players and spilling drinks. One drink that was knocked out of a fan’s hand landed on Irish golfer Rory McIlroy’s wife, Erica.

McIlroy won both his matches Saturday despite the drama and fans took to social media to show their support, while criticizing the PGA for allowing the behavior, per Golfweek.

PGA CEO Derek Sprague apologized directly to the McIlroys and the European team, saying in a statement, “It’s unfortunate that people crossed the line last week. This is not good for the game of golf. It’s not good for the Ryder Cup. It’s not good for any of the professional athletes. We will do better.” He said he sent “a long email” to McIlroy and Erica and followed up with a call to McIlroy’s manager to express regret.

PGA President Don Rea, however, downplayed the issue in several interviews after the Cup, comparing the insults to what one might hear at “a youth soccer game.”

He added on the obnoxious fan behavior, “I haven’t heard some of that. I’m sure it happened.” Days later, Rea reversed course, acknowledging in a letter to PGA members that “some fan behavior clearly crossed the line.”

In a separate post on LinkedIn, Rea wrote, “This is my profile not the PGA’s. That being said, thank you to all that have reached out to me as a friend and golf industry leader. I’m personally taking some criticism right now and that comes with the role and just like when I was an umpire I expect it. However to the students and PGA members that follow me, know this, I am not bothered.”

Why it matters: Neither Sprague nor Rea can control inflammatory comments or actions, but as leaders of the organization hosting the tournament, they must be a united front in their message and action.

When leadership isn’t aligned, apologies lose weight. Mixed messaging can create confusion, weaken credibility and invite further scrutiny. Rea’s “boys will be boys” sentiment comes across as uncaring and unaccountable.

While Sprague owned the incident and took accountability, Rea continually minimized the issue, making it seem as though the organization was more concerned with protecting reputation than addressing real concerns.

Responses, particularly in times of crisis, need to be consistent. Downplaying or denying issues, especially those tied to respect, safety or inclusivity, often backfire.

Organizations need to show unified messaging, move quickly to acknowledge problems and communicate transparently to maintain trust.

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Courtney Blackann is a communications reporter. Connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at [email protected].