McIlroy receives ‘lovely’ apology from PGA boss after Ryder Cup abuse

Following the abuse that he and his wife Erica experienced while watching some American golf at the Ryder Cup, Rory McIlroy claims to have received a “lovely” message from the PGA of America.

The Masters champion added that it “galvanized” the European team after their 15-13 victory at Bethpage because he “comforted” that he was the target of rowdy US supporters.

PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague promised to contact McIlroy and his wife following the tumultuous contest in September. The current Masters champion has confirmed that the message was received.

Before he competed in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, McIlroy complained to Derek Sprague, “I received a lovely email apologizing.”

During the three days of the competition, Erica McIlroy’s husband was repeatedly abused after being struck by a tossed beer can during the Saturday showdown in New York.

McIlroy remarked, “It is a compliment that they targeted me.” It was a difficult week, of course, but at the same time. As a team, that improved.

It really sparked our arms and made us feel good.

On Friday and Saturday afternoons, the 36-year-old Northern Irishman and former Open champion Shane Lowry faced off at their most hostile environments.

In the wake of America’s stirring comeback in the final day singles, Lowry continued to hole the putt that made it impossible for Europe to lose.

I really enjoyed having Shane with me on Friday and Saturday afternoon. He “added McIlroy like my big brother,” adding that he never spent those two afternoons with me.

He kept us engaged through incredible golf. And our matches both scored one and a half points. The perfect way to end the week was Kim Holing That Putt.

McIlroy has stated that he does not want the crowd scenes to overshadow Europe’s outstanding performance, particularly in the foursome and fourball sessions.

He can look back on what he refers to as “the season of his golfing life,” which saw him win the Players Championship, Pebble Beach, and the Irish Open, as well as a long-awaited career grand slam.

McIlroy now wants to win the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai next week and the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

He leads Marco Penge in the standings, but he is only a short way away from winning his seventh Race to Dubai title.

“I can recall trying to win my first race there in 2009 and facing Lee Westwood in those final few events,” McIlroy said.

I knew I had to do it because I was driven and hungry, and Marco certainly feels that way. So the next few weeks will be exciting.

After a year that began in the United Arab Emirates at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy is feeling inspired upon his return to the Middle East.

He said, “I think back to the beginning of January 2025 when I was last here and everything that has happened since.”