Rory McIlroy on Wednesday confirmed that PGA of America chief executive Derek Sprague has sent a personal apology. The mail was sent addressing the abuse directed at the European star and his wife during the Ryder Cup at Bethpage in September.

Earlier in October, Sprague revealed writing a lengthy note to both McIlroy and his wife, Erica after the controversial incident. For the unversed, a beer from the crowd even hit Erica during the event, which in turn called for added security at the course. The PGA chief claimed being ‘really, really, really disappointed’ by the New York fans’ actions and said it was ‘not good for the game.’ Now, the Masters champion has revealed receiving a ‘lovely email’ from the executive.

The Northern Irishman lauded the action and said the circuit chief ‘couldn’t have been more gracious.’

Rory McIlroy told BBC Sport ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship 2025:

“I got a lovely email from Derek Sprague apologizing… 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.”

For the unversed, McIlroy and his partner was on the receiving end of abuse from the rowdy fans during Europe’s 15-13 win against Keegan Bradley’s Team USA in the latter’s home soil. Notably, the Ryder Cup week also saw comedian Heather McMahan being taken off emcee duty after joining the crowd in chanting ‘f*** you Rory.’ She later apologized for the action.

PGA cheif condemns abuse towards Rory McIlroy at Ryder Cup

Earlier in October, PGA of Americas CEO Derek Sprague acknowledged the circuit’s failure to contain rowdy fans at Bethpage during the 2025 Ryder Cup. The series chief, speaking in an interview with Brody Miller of The Athletic, stated that he ‘don’t condone’ the behavior and promised that they ‘will do better.’

Furthermore, he first admitted writing a lengthy note to apologize to both Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica. He also revealed apologizing to McIlroy’s agent, Sean O’Flaherty

Derek Sprague said, as quoted by Golf.com:

“I’m the CEO now. I don’t condone this type of behavior. This is not good for the game of golf. It’s not good for the Ryder Cup. It’s not good for any of the professional athletes, and we will do better.”

Interestingly, Rory McIlroy claimed taking the targeted attacks as a ‘compliment.’ The grand slam champion admitted it being a ‘tough week’ and stated that it made Europe ‘better as a team.’ While Sprague thought otherwise and apologized, US Team skipper Keegan Bradley chose not to condemn the ‘passionate’ fans who created a hostile atmosphere for his European rival at Bethpage.