Rory McIlroy has received an apology from Derek Sprague, CEO of the PGA of America, for the abuse he and his wife Erica faced during the Ryder Cup.
The event, held at Bethpage Black, saw Europe triumph 15-13 over the United States. McIlroy played a key role, contributing three-and-a-half points to Europe’s victory.
The atmosphere at the Ryder Cup was tense, with McIlroy and his team-mates facing significant heckling from the New York crowd. This led to several confrontations between the five-time major winner and fans. In one incident, Erica McIlroy was hit by a drink thrown from the galleries.
Despite these challenges, McIlroy believes that the taunts helped strengthen Europe’s resolve. He stated that such incidents brought the team closer together and motivated them to secure their first away win since 2012. Sprague had promised to reach out to McIlroy, a promise he has now fulfilled.
Speaking before participating in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, McIlroy shared with BBC Sport: “I got a lovely email from Derek Sprague apologising.” This gesture was appreciated by McIlroy and his wife, who have known Sprague and his family for some time due to Erica’s past work with him at the PGA of America.
McIlroy expressed gratitude for Sprague’s graciousness and apology through a heartfelt letter. He remarked on how targeting him could be seen as a compliment but acknowledged it was a challenging week. The adversity they faced ultimately united the team further.
The letter from Sprague was not only an apology but also a testament to their personal connection. It highlighted how well they knew each other beyond professional boundaries. This personal touch made the apology even more meaningful for Rory and Erica McIlroy.
The Ryder Cup experience showcased both challenges and camaraderie within Team Europe. Despite facing hostility from spectators, their unity led them to victory. The support from figures like Sprague further underscored the importance of sportsmanship in overcoming adversity.