Don Rea went from “it’s no big deal” to full apology mode in 72 hours.

Don Rea probably wishes he could take a mulligan on this week. The PGA of America president went from defending rowdy Ryder Cup fans like they were just passionate patriots to issuing a full-blown apology email that basically screams “I messed up.” After comparing abusive fan behavior at Bethpage Black to a typical youth soccer game—yes, really—Rea has now admitted what everyone else saw with their own eyes: some fans went way too far.

What Actually Happened at Bethpage

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black wasn’t just spirited—it was ugly. Fans hurled insults at Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica, with someone even throwing a beer at her. Players were interrupted mid-swing by screaming spectators. The kind of stuff that makes you cringe watching the highlights. Europe still won 15-13, but the real story became how American fans treated their opponents like they were at a wrestling match instead of a golf tournament.

The Defense That Made It Worse

In a BBC interview during Sunday’s singles matches, Rea shrugged off the behavior like it was no big deal. “It happens when we’re over in Rome on the other side,” he said, suggesting this was just part of international competition. Then he doubled down on social media, which is always a brilliant strategy when you’re already in hot water. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

Even Golf Legends Were Embarrassed

When two-time U.S. Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson publicly apologizes on behalf of American fans, you know it’s bad. Watson posted that he was embarrassed by the “rude and mean-spirited behavior” at Bethpage. That’s a golf legend basically saying “this isn’t who we are”—while the guy running the show was still calling it par for the course.

The ‘We Own Our Bogeys’ Email

By Thursday, Rea finally sent an email to PGA of America members that reads like a masterclass in damage control. “Some fan behavior clearly crossed the line,” he wrote, calling it “disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative of who we are.” PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague apologized directly to the McIlroys and Ryder Cup Europe. Rea added his own personal apology for “not representing our association in the best light” with his media comments. Translation: I should’ve read the room.

The Fallout

The Ryder Cup is supposed to be golf’s most passionate event, but there’s a difference between patriotic fervor and flat-out disrespect. Rea’s initial response—and his slow walk to an actual apology—raises questions about whether golf’s governing bodies are willing to protect the game’s integrity when fans treat it like a mosh pit. The sport prides itself on etiquette and honor. Maybe it’s time the people in charge remember that before the next big event.