McIlroy Thanks PGA Chief for Ryder Cup Apology and Questions LIV Changes
Rory McIlroy expressed gratitude to PGA of America chief executive Derek Sprague for personally apologizing after incidents of fan misconduct during the Ryder Cup. He also commented on LIV Golf’s shift to a 72-hole format, calling it a curious decision.
Apology and Reconciliation
McIlroy said Sprague reached out to him directly after Europe’s triumph at Bethpage Black, where the world number two and his wife endured abuse from some spectators.
“I got a lovely email from Derek Sprague apologizing,” McIlroy told BBC Sport ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC 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.”
During the intense three-day competition, a beer thrown from the crowd struck Erica McIlroy’s hat. Despite the incident, McIlroy viewed the adversity as something that united the European squad.
“I take it as a compliment that they targeted me, but at the same time it was a tough week,” he said. “That made us better as a team. It galvanised us and really put our arms around each other.”
Team Spirit and Response
While U.S. captain Keegan Bradley refused to criticize the “passionate” New York crowd, McIlroy said the experience ultimately fortified Europe’s determination on their way to a narrow but meaningful victory.
Remarks on LIV Golf’s Format Change
Looking ahead to the Dubai finale after an “amazing 10 months,” McIlroy described LIV Golf’s move to a 72-hole format as a “peculiar” change, adding that it raised questions about the breakaway league’s evolving identity.
Author’s summary: McIlroy shared gratitude for a PGA apology over Ryder Cup abuse and viewed the incident as bonding for Team Europe, while questioning LIV Golf’s latest format shift.