#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

DP World Tour: Kristoffer Reitan holds on to Nedbank Golf Challenge victory in South Africa

DP World Tour: Kristoffer Reitan holds on to Nedbank Golf Challenge victory in South Africa

Kristoffer Reitan threatened to blow a five-shot lead before clinging onto a wire-to-wire victory at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Play...

Golf majors in 2026: Schedule, dates, venues for The Open, The Masters, Solheim Cup and more

Golf majors in 2026: Schedule, dates, venues for The Open, The Masters, Solheim Cup and more

Take a closer look at the key dates for the 2026 golf season, including the majors, PGA Tour Signature Events, Solheim Cup and more... Rory McIlroy co...

Hero World Challenge: Scottie Scheffler misses out on three-peat as Hideki Matsuyama claims play-off victory over Alex Noren

Hero World Challenge: Scottie Scheffler misses out on three-peat as Hideki Matsuyama claims play-off victory over Alex Noren

Hideki Matsuyama edged out Alex Noren in a play-off to win the Tiger Woods-hosted Hero World Challenge, as Scottie Scheffler missed out on completing...

Tiger Woods: When will he return from injury? 15-time major champion offers updates on 2026 schedule hopes

Tiger Woods: When will he return from injury? 15-time major champion offers updates on 2026 schedule hopes

Tiger Woods was limited to the role of tournament host at the Hero World Challenge due to injury, with uncertainty remaining over his future and what...

Golf at 2028 Olympics: The Open, ISPS Handa Senior Open and AIG Women's Open to be moved to avoid clash with Los Angeles event

Golf at 2028 Olympics: The Open, ISPS Handa Senior Open and AIG Women's Open to be moved to avoid clash with Los Angeles event

The Open will temporarily move to August in 2028 to avoid clashing with the Olympic Games in Los Angeles that summer, the R&A has confirmed.The 20...

Tiger Woods: When will he return from injury? 15-time major champion offers updates on 2026 schedule hopes

Tiger Woods: When will he return from injury? 15-time major champion offers updates on 2026 schedule hopes

Tiger Woods was limited to the role of tournament host at the Hero World Challenge due to injury, with uncertainty remaining over his future and what...