Don Rae Jr., the president of thePGA of America, officiallyapologized via emailto 30,000 golf professionals on Thursday regarding comments about the chants directed at Team Europe during the Ryder Cup. Rae initially compared the vulgar remarks to those typically heard at a youth soccer game, but he has since retracted those statements in his apology. Team Europe's victory over Team USA 15-13at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York last week marked its sixth Ryder Cup victory in the past eight events. However, this year's event was overshadowed by the behavior of some American fans, who directed personal and profane comments at the European players during their quest for victory. U.S. President Donald Trump walks off Air Force One with his granddaughter, Kai Trump, after arriving at the Republic Airport on Sept. 26, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. Trump spent the day attending the first day of the 2025 Ryder Cup. More:Inside Team USA's near-comeback on final day of 2025 Ryder Cup "Let me begin with what we must own. While the competition was spirited – especially with the U.S. team's rally on Sunday afternoon – some fan behavior clearly crossed the line,"Rea wrote in his letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press, to PGA of America members. "It was disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative of who we are as the PGA of America or as PGA of America golf professionals. We condemn that behavior unequivocally." European players, including Rory McIlroy, faced a significant amount of vulgar language from the crowd, with remarks aimed at their personal lives. During the Ryder Cup competition on Friday, Sept. 26, fans chanted "F--- you, Rory" when he appeared on the large screens around the course.McIlroy responded to the spectators, and his fellow European golfers rallied together in a show of unity to support him. Despite the distractions from the rowdy crowd, Team Europe remained focused and ultimately claimed the trophy to become the first team to win the tournament on foreign soil since the Europeans did so in 2012. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:PGA of America president apologizes to Rory McIlroy for Ryder Cup fans
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