Rory McIlroy has revealed that PGA of America chief executive Derek Sprague has sent a personal apology for abuse directed at him and his wife during Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in New York.
Europe withstood a stirring fightback from the United States at Bethpage Black, where the Americans trailed 12-5 in the final session before returning to singles, but without success.
Luke Donald’s team – and McIlroy in particular – were subject to unsavory abuse from a partisan mob over the three days, with a beer thrown by the crowd hitting the hat of McIlroy’s wife Erica.
McIlroy, however, has since received a “lovely letter” from Sprague seeking to make things right.
“I received a lovely email from Derek Sprague apologizing,” McIlroy said. BBC Sport as he prepared for the HSBC Championship in Abu Dhabi.
“Erica worked with Derek at the PGA of America back in the day, so we know Derek and his wife pretty well.
“He couldn’t have been more gracious or apologetic and he wrote us a lovely letter which we really appreciated.”
US captain Keegan Bradley refused to condemn the “passionate” home fans at Bethpage, where McIlroy felt the hostile atmosphere had actually spurred Europe on.
“I take it as a compliment that they targeted me, but at the same time it was a tough week,” McIlroy said.
“It made us better as a team. It galvanized us and it really got us fired up.”
Masters champion McIlroy aims to cap off a memorable year as he prepares for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
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Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Justin Rose all experienced the hectic atmosphere of the Ryder Cup during their singles matches.
“I think back to the start in January 2025, when I was last here, and everything that’s happened since then,” said McIlroy, who also won the Players Championship, the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Irish Open.
“Honestly, in my wildest dreams, I didn’t know it. I mean, I knew a year like this was possible, but it’s just been an incredible 10 months.”
Meanwhile, McIlroy reflected on LIV Golf’s recent change to move from three rounds to 72 holes to align with golf’s traditional four rounds – in a bid to be recognized by the World Golf Rankings.
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Rory McIlroy had some harsh words for the American public before hitting one of the shots of the week on the 16th hole of the Ryder Cup.
“I think it’s a peculiar decision because I think they could have gotten ranking points in three rounds. I don’t think three rounds versus four rounds is what held them back,” McIlroy said.
“It definitely brings them more in line with traditional golf tournaments than what we all did. It brings them back to the fact that they’re not really destroyers anymore and kind of aligns more with what everyone else is doing.
“Because their platoon strength is going to be so weak, because a lot of guys have already fallen down the rankings because they haven’t had ranking points for so long, I don’t know if the ranking points are really going to benefit them.”
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Rory McIlroy has described LIV Golf’s decision to expand its events to 72 holes as “peculiar”, with the tour expected to become more in line with traditional golf tours by going from three rounds to four.
What’s next?
McIlroy returns to action at the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship from November 6-9 and the DP World Tour Championship from November 13-16, both live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream without a contract NOW.
