#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

US Women's Open - storylines to follow: Nelly Korda, Charley Hull, Solheim Cup watch and major contenders at Riviera

US Women's Open - storylines to follow: Nelly Korda, Charley Hull, Solheim Cup watch and major contenders at Riviera

Your Site looks at the major storylines to follow ahead of the US Women's Open at Riviera Country Club...Nelly Korda is certainly showing shades of he...

PGA Tour: Russell Henley birdie charge denies Eric Cole for Charles Schwab Classic victory after playoff finish

PGA Tour: Russell Henley birdie charge denies Eric Cole for Charles Schwab Classic victory after playoff finish

Russell Henley birdied the final three holes to force a playoff with Eric Cole, then made it four it a row with a five-footer on the first extra hole...

Scottie Scheffler eyes third-straight Memorial Tournament title to join list of PGA Tour greats to three-peat

Scottie Scheffler eyes third-straight Memorial Tournament title to join list of PGA Tour greats to three-peat

Scottie Scheffler is hoping to match Tiger Woods in securing a third-successive Memorial Tournament title this week as the world No 1 looks to join th...

PGA Tour: Erid Cole snatches lead from England's Jordan Smith ahead of final round at Charles Schwab Challenge

PGA Tour: Erid Cole snatches lead from England's Jordan Smith ahead of final round at Charles Schwab Challenge

Eric Cole notched a course-best third-round 63 featuring eight birdies to move top of the leaderboard with one round to go at the Charles Schwab Chall...

US Women's Open: Nelly Korda admits 'it wasn't a great day' as Jennifer Kupcho sets early pace in first round at Riviera Country Club

US Women's Open: Nelly Korda admits 'it wasn't a great day' as Jennifer Kupcho sets early pace in first round at Riviera Country Club

Nelly Korda admitted she was surprised how poorly she had played as she began her US Women's Open challenge with a two-over 73.The world No 1 has fini...

LPGA Tour: Celine Boutier wins ShopRite LPGA ahead of US Women's Open as Ireland's Lauren Walsh finishes third

LPGA Tour: Celine Boutier wins ShopRite LPGA ahead of US Women's Open as Ireland's Lauren Walsh finishes third

France's Celine Boutier rallied from a four-shot deficit on Sunday, making three birdies around the turn on her way to a five-under 66 for a one-shot...