Luke Donald BLASTS PGA Leaders Regarding Their Handling of Fans During 2025 Ryder Cup

Luke Donald and Team Europe received severe abuse from the fans at Bethpage Black Course in New York during the 2025 Ryder Cup.

Luke Donald BLASTS PGA Leaders Regarding Their Handling of Fans During 2025 Ryder Cup

Luke Donald (Image via Imago)

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The 2025 Ryder Cup saw Luke Donald and Team Europe go back-to-back and beat Team USA 15-13 in the biennial tournament. In a recent interview, the European captain attacked the PGA leaders for their handling of the fans during this event.

This year, the event was played at the Bethpage Black Course in New York. Before the tournament began, it was reported that the crowd would be a bit rowdy and give the Europeans a hard time with their constant heckling.

While many of them got heckled, Rory McIlroy received severe abuse from the fans. On Friday, he would flip off some fans while shouting “shut the f*** up” to some on Saturday. Things got worse during the afternoon session on Saturday.

As McIlroy and his wife, Erica Stoll, were making their way through the greens, a fan would hurl a cup of beer on Stoll. McIlroy would later demand that the security remove a fan who used a slur while recording a video of the World No.2 golfer.

A Masters of Ceremonies would also step down from her post after initiating an NSFW chant against McIlroy.

Following the tournament, PGA of America President Don Rea issued a statement. In this, Rea seemingly defended the actions of the fans and expressed that he did not hear any of that. He also claimed that the Americans had a similar experience in Rome two years ago in 2023.

Social media users would later attack Rea for this. Matt Fitzpatrick, who was part of the winning team, would call these comments “offensive.”

On Sunday, Luke Donald broke his silence regarding this. In an interview with The Times, the former World No.1 slammed Rea and the other leaders for mishandling the fans at the event.

That was disappointing because anyone who was in Rome and New York knew it was completely different… As a leader, you have a responsibility. Nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes and f*** up. Just own up to it. Just say, ‘We should’ve done more. This isn’t acceptable and we will do better next time.’

Luke Donald told The Times

During the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in November, McIlroy revealed that he received an apology mail from PGA CEO Derek Sprague. The 5-time major expressed he appreciated this gesture from Sprague after what he, his family and his teammates went through.

Luke Donald claims he is in no “big rush” to make decision regarding Ryder Cup captaincy for 2027

Luke Donald successfully guided Team Europe to another Ryder Cup victory over Team USA this year. With the way things have gone, many have urged him to retain his spot and lead the team for a third time in 2027. So far, he has not made any decision yet.

Luke Donald
Luke Donald (Image via Imago)

Donald was named as the captain of the team after Henrik Stenson was stripped of the captaincy following his move to LIV Golf. Donald would lead his team to a massive victory in Rome and regain the Ryder Cup following their 19-9 loss at Whistling Straits in 2021.

After the tournament, he would remain as the captain and was given the task to lead the European team once again. Just like the 2023 edition, Team Europe came out firing and found themselves in a comfortable position after the end of Day 2’s actions.

Despite a late fightback from the Americans during the singles action on Sunday, Luke Donald and his team were able to hold off the hosts and claimed back-to-back victories.

When asked about a third possible stint as the captain in 2027, the Englishman claimed he was in no “big rush” to make a decision.

I talked to a few of the players and everyone I’ve spoken to would like me to do it again. That means a lot. I’ve obviously thought about it, but I don’t feel like I’m in a big rush.

Luke Donald told The Times

The 2027 event will take place at Adare Manor in Ireland. In the interview, Donald pointed out that his wife “loves” Adare Manor and Ireland and would be all in for him being the captain once again. It remains to be seen whether he will take this responsibility again.

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