#Letakan iklan disini
Golf Dec 07, 2025

Ryder Cup: Matt Fitzpatrick accuses PGA president Don Rea of being 'bitter' during trophy presentation

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Ryder Cup: Matt Fitzpatrick accuses PGA president Don Rea of being 'bitter' during trophy presentation

Matt Fitzpatrick accused PGA president Don Rea of being "bitter" when handing the Ryder Cup over to Team Europe following their triumph at Bethpage Black.

Europe's 15-13 victory was marred by incidents involving spectators throughout the three days of action, with Rory McIlroy in particular singled out for abuse.

McIlroy was frequently put off his tee shots and his wife Erica had beer thrown over her, while an announcer was also stood down for encouraging an abusive chant about McIlroy prior to Saturday's foursomes.

Fitzpatrick claimed the hostility extended even to PGA president Rea, whom he accused of insincerity during his interactions with Team Europe at the trophy presentation.

Speaking to the media ahead of his appearance at the Alfred Dunhill Links, Fitzpatrick said: "I don't want to speak for everyone, but we felt a bit of bitterness during the trophy presentation and handshake.

"Me and Rosie [Justin Rose] looked at each other thinking the congratulations didn't feel very heartfelt. He said we only retained it, but actually - we won it."

The Americans had gone into the final session 12-5 down before mounting a stirring comeback in Sunday's singles but ultimately came up short.

USA captain Keegan Bradley refused to condemn the "passionate" home fans at Bethpage, with Rea suggesting the abuse suffered by European players was the same as the American players received in Rome two years earlier, a view Fitzpatrick refuted.

"That Saturday afternoon was one of the best things I've ever seen - the chanting, the cheering, the songs," he added.

"That's what makes European fans so great compared to American fans. Not all American fans are abusive, they are not, it's always a small few.

"What makes European fans stand out is the creativity, the chants - not just shouting random obscenities."

Fitzpatrick continued: "What the PGA of America guy said about it being the same in Rome - he clearly wasn't there. Either he wasn't there or he was listening to something else, because it was never like that. It's always been playful, just banter.

"The interview with the PGA guy saying it was the same in Rome. That's pretty offensive to European fans."

Fitzpatrick, who halved his singles match against Bryson DeChambeau to secure a crucial half-point, said he understood why figures in American golf had issued apologies.

"It's not like they can control what everyone says," Fitzpatrick said. "We're not out there demanding an apology, but it's understandable they would offer one.

"I've had quite a few emails, messages, and texts from American friends apologising for the fans."

Watch the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship live on SportNews Golf from 12pm on Thursday.

Tags:

golf news id:13442287

Share this article

Related Posts

RBC Canadian Open: Tommy Fleetwood in hunt as pro debutant Ben James leads heading into weekend

RBC Canadian Open: Tommy Fleetwood in hunt as pro debutant Ben James leads heading into weekend

Tommy Fleetwood remains in the hunt for his PGA Tour win in almost a year at the RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.The Englishman sits...

Sky Sports Golf Podcast: Players and pundits join Jamie Weir to dissect the big topics

Sky Sports Golf Podcast: Players and pundits join Jamie Weir to dissect the big topics

The Your Site Golf Podcast delivers the latest news from the golfing world, expert analysis and big-name interviews.With episodes released every Monda...

US Women's Open: Nelly Korda claims thrilling victory as Charley Hull narrowly misses out on major win in California

US Women's Open: Nelly Korda claims thrilling victory as Charley Hull narrowly misses out on major win in California

World No 1 Nelly Korda snatched a dramatic victory at the US Women's Open as Charley Hull's wait for an elusive maiden major continued despite a histo...

Sky Sports Golf podcast: 'No doubt' Charley Hull finds elusive major but can she build 'dream' rivalry with Nelly Korda?

Sky Sports Golf podcast: 'No doubt' Charley Hull finds elusive major but can she build 'dream' rivalry with Nelly Korda?

Former AIG Women's Open champion Karen Stupples has "no doubt" Charley Hull will end her wait for an elusive major title and would relish a "dream" ri...

US Women's Open: Charley Hull rues 'frustrating' major near-miss after runner-up finish to Nelly Korda in California

US Women's Open: Charley Hull rues 'frustrating' major near-miss after runner-up finish to Nelly Korda in California

Charley Hull admitted another near-miss in a major was "pretty annoying" after narrowly falling short in her bid for a historic comeback victory at th...

Solheim Cup - Anna Nordqvist's captain column: Team Europe's qualification battle as preparation ramps up to face Team USA

Solheim Cup - Anna Nordqvist's captain column: Team Europe's qualification battle as preparation ramps up to face Team USA

We are less than 100 days away from the Solheim Cup in the Netherlands and just two months away from team selection - it’s crazy! It is going to be he...