McIlroy Appreciates PGA of America Apology for Ryder Cup Abuse
Rory McIlroy revealed that Derek Sprague, CEO of the PGA of America, sent him a personal apology regarding the abuse he and his wife endured during Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in New York.
Details of the Incident
During the September Ryder Cup, Europe narrowly defeated the United States 15-13 after a strong final day comeback. McIlroy was targeted by a hostile home crowd, enduring continuous abuse. At one point, a beer was thrown at his wife, Erica, hitting her hat.
McIlroy's Response and Apology from the PGA
"I got a lovely e-mail from Derek Sprague apologising," McIlroy told the BBC before the Abu Dhabi Championship. "Erica worked with Derek at the PGA of America back in the day, so we know Derek and his wife pretty well. He couldn't have been more gracious or apologetic and he wrote us a lovely letter, which we really appreciated."
McIlroy admitted to responding to some of the crowd's hostility but said their abuse ultimately strengthened the European team.
"I take it as a compliment that they targeted me, but then at the same time, it was a tough week," said the world number two. "That made us better as a team. It galvanised us and it really put our arms around each other."
Team Spirit and Victory
The abuse drove the European players to unite and become the first team to win the Ryder Cup on foreign soil in 13 years.
Author's summary: Rory McIlroy values the personal apology from the PGA of America and believes the Ryder Cup abuse united Europe to claim a historic victory on U.S. soil.