South African golf fans are buzzing after news broke that Rory McIlroy received a personal apology from the PGA of America's CEO, Derek Sprague, following the unruly behaviour of some American fans at the Ryder Cup. The Northern Irish golfer and his wife, Erica, were subjected to abuse during the competition, which saw Europe clinch a narrow victory.
McIlroy's Reaction to the Apology
McIlroy revealed to BBC Sport that he received a “lovely” email from Sprague, expressing remorse for the incidents. He mentioned that his wife had previously worked with Sprague at the PGA of America, making the apology even more meaningful. “He couldn’t have been more gracious or apologetic, and he wrote us a lovely letter, which we really appreciated,” McIlroy stated.
The Ryder Cup, held at Bethpage Black in New York, was marred by instances of fan misconduct, including a beer can being thrown at Erica McIlroy. Despite the negativity, McIlroy viewed the targeting as a backhanded compliment.
Team Spirit Prevails
“I take it as a compliment that they targeted me, but then at the same time, it was a tough week,” McIlroy explained. “That made us better as a team. It galvanised us and it really put our arms around each other.” He highlighted the strong bond within the European team, particularly his partnership with Shane Lowry during the event.
Looking Ahead
As McIlroy prepares for the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, he reflects on what he considers a career-defining year. With a Masters victory under his belt, ending an 11-year major drought, and other significant wins, McIlroy is eager to cap off his successful season. He describes the past ten months as “amazing,” showcasing his consistent performance and resilience on the global stage.
The PGA of America's apology draws a line under the Ryder Cup controversy and underscores the importance of respect and sportsmanship in golf.