Additional interviews have surfaced from higher-ups within the PGA of America discussing the situation, including one with PGA of America president Don Rea who has received criticism from European players, including a pair Englishmen — Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick. Additional interviews have surfaced from higher-ups within the PGA of America discussing the situation, including one with PGA of America president Don Rea, who has received criticism from European players, including a pair of Englishmen — Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick.
In the interview, Rea drew a parallel between the crowd on Long Island with one at a youth soccer game, stating there are bad actors at most sporing events. He then went on to mention he had not heard of any verbal abuse hurled at Rory McIlroy while also likening the crowd to that of Rome.
“Personally, I don’t think they were close at all. Hatton stated that, based on what he heard last week I do not think Rome is anywhere close to this. “To be honest, I personally don’t agree what they both said.” There’s nothing else I can add. To be honest, I don’t think they are that close. Hatton’s 3-0-1 record, which included a half-point on Sunday against Collin Morikawa, secured the European team a perfect record. Fitzpatrick also fought towards a half point in the final day of the competition as his bout with Bryson DeChambeau became highly contested late while he squandered a 5 UP lead at one point.
Fitzpatrick’s half point was instrumental in getting Europe to the necessary 14 points to retain the cup. The blue and gold won the cup with a final score of 15 to 13. This put an end to any doubts about the role of “envelope rules”. Fitzpatrick stated, “
I watched the interview where the PGA guy talked about how it was the exact same in Rome.” It’s offensive to European fans that he said it, in fact. I’m not speaking for everyone, but there was some bitterness when the trophy was presented and they shook hands. There’s no question that they can’t control the words of others. It’s not that we wanted an apology but it is understandable.
I’ve received messages from friends in the US apologizing to me for having to deal with this. We knew exactly what to expect. Luke and his team did an incredible job. You prepare yourself so well that you expect this to happen when you arrive. It wasn’t a problem. “
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During the trophy presentation, Rea congratulated Europe on its victory but said the team had only “retained” the 45th Ryder Cup; Europeans immediately took note of that statement.
“Me and Rosey both looked at each other as if to say, that wasn’t a very heartfelt congratulations, I know that,” Fitzpatrick said. “And he claimed we had only retained it but we actually won it. …”
While he has not officially commented on the backlash he received from European players, and some on social networking sites, Rea posted an update to his LinkedIn page. This is not the PGA profile, but my own. I want to thank all those who have reached out as friends and leaders in the golf industry. As a golf umpire, I am used to criticism. I accept it. To the students and PGA Members that follow me: I’m not bothered. I know whom I serve in the end. Three years ago, I really meant it when I wrote this message and I still live it today. Truth is truth. New level. New level.