Matt Fitzpatrick SLAMS PGA of America President Don Rea For “Offensive” Ryder Cup Comments

Don Rea recently commented that the fan behavior at the Ryder Cup from the Americans last week was similar to the one in Rome by the Europeans in 2023.

Matt Fitzpatrick SLAMS PGA of America President Don Rea For “Offensive” Ryder Cup Comments

Don Rea and Matt Fitzpatrick (Image via PGA/SB Nation)

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Matt Fitzpatrick did not seem to like the words of Don Rea this week. The PGA of America President had some strong words regarding the fan behavior at the Ryder Cup last week in New York. The golfer would slam him for his “offensive” comments ahead of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Fitzpatrick was part of Team Europe’s success. The 2022 U.S. Open Champion entered the tournament on the back of a poor 1-7 record and had many doubting his selection by captain Luke Donald.

The Englishman, however, paid off the faith of his captain and turned his fortunes around. In his 4 matches, he went 2-1-1 and earned 2.5 points.

One of the main talking points about this event was the fan behavior at the Bethpage Black Course. The crowd was loud and kept on chirping at the Europeans. There were some incidents though, where things got a bit out of hand.

Fitzpatrick’s teammate, Rory McIlroy, was the one who was subjected to severe abuse. The World No.2 was heckled throughout the course of the tournament. Some personal comments were also thrown at his wife, Erica Stoll. She was even hit by a cup of beer from a fan.

On Tuesday, Don Rea was asked about the fan behavior against McIlroy and the other European golfers. The PGA Chief would seemingly defend the actions of the fans and expressed that the American golfers underwent similar things in Rome two years ago.

His comments did not sit well with many on social media. Users would attack the PGA of America President and called him out.

Ahead of the Alfred Dunhill Championship at St. Andrews, Fitzpatrick would slam him, too. The 31-year-old expressed that Rea’s comments were “offensive” towards the European fans.

I saw the interview with the PGA guy discussing about it was the same in Rome. It’s pretty offensive to European fans the fact that he said that, really… I don’t want to speak on behalf of everyone but we did feel there was a little bit of bitterness when they presented the trophy there.

Matt Fitzpatrick told the reporters

Don Rea fires back at criticism from fans regarding comments of Ryder Cup

Don Rea found himself under severe backlash from golf fans on social media after he commented on the Ryder Cup fan behavior. Amidst this intense criticism, the PGA Chief fired back.

Don Rea
Don Rea (Image via PGA)

In a post on LinkedIn, the PGA of America president expressed that he was “unbothered” by the critics and pointed out that he expected this criticism when he took over the role.

Thank you to all that have reached out to me as a friend and golf industry leader. I’m personally taking some criticism right now and that comes with the role and just like when I was an umpire I expect it. However to the students and PGA members that follow me, know this, I am not bothered. I know who I ultimately serve.

Don Rea on LinkedIn

Golf insider Michael McEwan would later react to these comments from Don Rea. In a post on X, he claimed that doubling down was a very “bold” move by the PGA chief.

Rea had been a member of the PGA of America since 2001. He was elected as the 44th President of the organization in 2024 and is serving a two-year term.

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