When Matt Fitzpatrick accepted the Ryder Cup trophy on behalf of Team Europe at Bethpage Black on September 28, 2025, he expected a handshake. What he got, he says, was a cold, calculated dismissal — and it still stings.
The Moment That Broke the Surface
It happened just after 7:15 p.m. Eastern Time, under the fading New York autumn light. Europe had just edged the United States 15-13 in a nail-biting, emotionally raw contest. Fitzpatrick, the 30-year-old from Sheffield, England, had just halved his singles match against Bryson DeChambeau, securing the crucial half-point that sealed the win. As the trophy was handed over, Don Rea, president of the PGA of America, stepped forward to offer congratulations.
"Me and Rosie [Justin Rose] looked at each other," Fitzpatrick recounted during a press conference on November 12, 2025, at the Old Course at St Andrews. "The congratulations didn’t feel very heartfelt. It felt… bitter. Like we were supposed to be grateful we didn’t lose by more."
Rea had reportedly said Europe had "only retained" the Cup — a phrasing Fitzpatrick found infuriating. "Actually — we won it," he shot back. "We didn’t retain. We won. On their soil. In front of their fans. That’s not retention. That’s victory."
When the Crowd Turned Toxic
The tension didn’t begin with Rea’s words. It began days earlier, on Saturday, September 27, during the afternoon fourballs session. Spectators at Bethpage Black — a public course known for its raucous, sometimes rowdy crowds — turned hostile. Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish star, was repeatedly heckled during his tee shots. His wife, Erica Stoll-McIlroy, had a cup of beer thrown over her shoulder by a fan in the gallery. A course announcer was fired for inciting a chant targeting McIlroy.
Fitzpatrick, too, wasn’t spared. "They made fun of my braces," he said, smiling faintly. "And my Skechers. I mean… come on. I’m not a clown. I’m trying to win a golf tournament."
But he insists the worst of it wasn’t directed at him. "Rory, Shane [Lowry] — they got a lot worse. A lot worse. You could see the frustration in their eyes. You could hear the silence when they walked up to the tee. That’s not golf. That’s harassment."
A Comparison That Crossed the Line
Rea’s comment comparing the New York crowd to the 2023 Ryder Cup in Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome was the final straw. "He said the atmosphere was the same," Fitzpatrick said. "That’s pretty offensive to European fans. In Rome, people cheered. In New York, people threw beer."
European officials had repeatedly praised the crowd at Marco Simone — even in the face of partisan support for the U.S. team. No incidents of physical harassment were reported. No staff were fired. No wives were doused.
"It’s not about passion," Fitzpatrick added. "It’s about respect. You can be loud. You can be proud. But you can’t be cruel."
The Fallout and the Apology That Never Came
Days after the event, PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague — based at the organization’s headquarters in Frisco, Texas — announced plans to issue a personal apology to the European team for the spectator conduct. As of November 12, no formal apology had been delivered.
Fitzpatrick said he’s received dozens of messages from American friends, colleagues, even strangers, apologizing on behalf of the fans. "They’re mortified," he said. "They texted me: ‘I’m so sorry you had to go through that.’ That means more than any statement from an organization."
But he’s not asking for an apology from Rea. "We’re not out there demanding it. But we’re not going to pretend it didn’t happen."
Why This Matters Beyond Golf
The 2025 Ryder Cup was the first time Bethpage Black hosted the event — a controversial choice. Critics warned the public course lacked the infrastructure to manage elite-level crowds. The PGA of America, despite those warnings, proceeded.
Now, the fallout extends beyond the trophy. European players have privately confirmed Fitzpatrick’s account of Rea’s demeanor. Several have told media they felt the U.S. leadership was more focused on defending the event’s reputation than acknowledging the damage done.
"This isn’t just about one man’s tone," said one European team insider, speaking anonymously. "It’s about whether the organization values sportsmanship — or just winning."
Fitzpatrick, who has now played in four Ryder Cups (2016, 2018, 2023, 2025), knows this rivalry runs deep. But he also knows the spirit of the game shouldn’t be drowned out by noise.
"Golf’s supposed to be about class," he said, adjusting his cap. "Even when you’re losing. Especially when you’re losing."
What’s Next?
The 2027 Ryder Cup will be held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota. European officials are already reviewing security protocols and crowd management plans. Meanwhile, the PGA of America faces mounting pressure to formally address the conduct of its leadership — and its fans.
Fitzpatrick will compete in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship starting November 13, 2025, at St Andrews. He’s focused on his game. But he won’t forget what happened in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Matt Fitzpatrick call Don Rea 'bitter'?
Fitzpatrick felt Rea’s congratulations during the trophy presentation lacked sincerity, particularly after Rea claimed Europe had "only retained" the Cup instead of winning it outright. He also took offense to Rea comparing the hostile crowd behavior at Bethpage Black to the 2023 event in Rome, where no similar misconduct occurred — a comparison Fitzpatrick called "pretty offensive to European fans."
What specific incidents occurred during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black?
Spectators repeatedly disrupted Rory McIlroy’s play, threw beer over his wife Erica Stoll-McIlroy on September 27, 2025, and targeted players with personal insults — including Fitzpatrick’s braces and footwear. A course announcer was fired for inciting an abusive chant. These incidents were widely documented by media and corroborated by multiple European team members.
Has the PGA of America apologized for the fan behavior?
CEO Derek Sprague announced plans to issue a personal apology, but as of November 12, 2025, no formal statement had been released. Fitzpatrick noted receiving numerous private apologies from American fans and friends, but emphasized that institutional accountability remains lacking.
How did European players respond to Rea’s comments?
Multiple European players privately confirmed Fitzpatrick’s account of Rea’s demeanor, describing the moment as cold and dismissive. Several have indicated that the perception of U.S. leadership being more concerned with optics than sportsmanship has damaged trust between the teams ahead of the 2027 event.
Is Bethpage Black likely to host another Ryder Cup?
Unlikely in the near future. The course’s public nature and lack of adequate crowd control infrastructure drew heavy criticism during the 2025 event. The PGA of America is now prioritizing venues with better security and fan management systems for future tournaments, including the 2027 event at Hazeltine National.
What’s the broader impact on the Ryder Cup’s reputation?
The 2025 event has raised serious questions about whether the Ryder Cup’s intense rivalries are crossing into unsportsmanlike territory. With global viewership at record levels, the PGA of America now faces pressure to redefine fan conduct policies and ensure leadership reflects the values of the game — not just the heat of competition.
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