Rory McIlroy and wife Erica receive apology over vile Ryder Cup abuse… after Europe star was dubbed a ‘hypocrite’

Rory McIlroy and wife Erica Stoll have been sent an apology from the PGA of America over the sickening abuse they were targeted with at the Ryder Cup.

The Europe golf star was subjected to vile taunts throughout last week’s golf showpiece in New York, while his partner was at one stage left in tears after being hit by a drink thrown from the crowd.

Following the ugly scenes, PGA of America chief Derek Sprague has revealed he has apologized to McIlroy and his family on behalf of the governing body.

‘I sent a long email to share with Rory and Erica and just told him that we will do better in the future,’ Sprague, who has just wrapped up his first Ryder Cup as CEO, told The Athletic on Wednesday. 

‘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.’

He also added: ‘I’m disappointed in fan behavior, disappointed in the first tee and the emcee that it’s just that’s not who we are. ‘And I was just really, really, really disappointed.’

McIlroy was seen confronting fans on multiple occasions as tensions reached boiling point, before he had the last laugh after securing a 15-13 victory over Team USA and Europe’s first away Ryder Cup win since 2012.

However, the Northern Irishman has come under criticism from former golf star Paul Azinger – who captained Team USA back in 2008 – over his ‘hypocritical’ stance on the abuse he suffered at Bethpage Black.

Speaking on GOLF’s ‘Subpar’ program, Azinger said: ‘In the press conference, after it’s over, [McIlroy] is saying, “I think golf should be held to a higher standard of decorum.”

‘Isn’t that what he said? But in the meantime, he says, “F*** you, F*** you, F*** you” in full voice for the world to see. 

‘He turns around and says to the guy, “Shut the f*** up,” the guy in the media asked him today, “How did that feel, Rory, to tell the guy to shut the f*** up and then hit it two feet?” And he said, “It felt pretty f***ing good,” and I’m like, which is it, Rory?

‘Is it that golf is held to a higher standard? Or are you just going to “f*** you” the fans and act like that’s okay?

‘I love Rory, you know that, but you can’t say that. You can’t say the fans need to behave better and then in the meantime, lay them to waste’. 

Although all European golfers were targeted over the course of the weekend, McIlroy in particular was subjected to continual taunts and attempts to disrupt his game. 

Erica also became an extension of the abuse, with Shane Lowry admitting after the victory that the level of insults she received was ‘astonishing’.

Rory’s wife was reportedly reduced to tears on Sunday evening after a day of vitriolic abuse from American fans, which included having a drink dunked on her. 

Her husband was subjected to relentless verbal abuse, including chants of ‘f*** you Rory’ and jibes about their marriage.

Speaking after Europe’s victory, McIlroy pulled no punches in his criticism of the home crowd and said: ‘I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf. I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week.

‘Golf has the ability to unite people. Golf teaches you very good life lessons. It teaches you etiquette. It teaches you how to play by the rules. It teaches you how to respect people. Sometimes this week we didn’t see that.

‘So no, this should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup. We will be making sure to say to our fans in Ireland in 2027 that what happened here this week is not acceptable.

‘Erica is fine. She’s a very, very strong woman. You know, she handled everything this week with class and poise and dignity like she always has. I love her and we’re going to have a good time celebrating tonight.’