Matt Fitzpatrick took public shots at Don Rea, president of the PGA of America. His comments were a reply to Rea’s statement on fan behavior at the recently completed Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy. Fitzpatrick, who played a key role in Europe’s 15-13 victory over the United States, found Rea’s comments comparing the atmosphere at Marco Simone to that of Bethpage Black “pretty offensive to European fans.”
During an interview with the BBC, Rea stated, “All I know is golf is the engine of good.” This comment came on the heels of conversations about the ongoing and incredibly toxic harassment that Rory McIlroy experienced from fans at the Ryder Cup. The extreme security efforts protecting McIlroy during the match shift the focus and raise troubling questions about how players should be protected. This was in direct opposition to Rea’s statement.
Fitzpatrick was on hand when the trophy was awarded and said that in his opinion Rea’s remarks were disingenuous. He said, “I remember me and Rosie just looking at each other because the congratulations seemed so insincere. He told us we merely held on to it, when in fact, we beat him. This sentiment underscored Fitzpatrick’s belief that the PGA of America was not fully acknowledging Europe’s achievement.
To learn more, Fitzpatrick offered additional details about Rea’s comparison of the two venues. He stated, “What the PGA of America guy said about it being the same in Rome — he clearly wasn’t there.” He emphasized that the atmosphere at both events was notably different, adding, “Either he wasn’t there or he was listening to something else, because it was never like that. It’s always been playful, just banter.”
Rea’s remarks echoed sentiments expressed months earlier by Keegan Bradley. Different experiences but same impact. Both stressed the same positive impact on fan experience at the two different Ryder Cup locations. Fitzpatrick’s answer reveals a mounting impatience among Euro players as to how their plight is being presented to American officials.
The Ryder Cup, one of the most spectacular, biennial competitions, has always attracted phenomenal interest with their fervent following. This year, the spectacle played out on Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, located just outside of the Italian capital, Rome. Fans packed the venue, ready to root for their favorite teams. As tensions mounted throughout the tournament, Rory McIlroy became a focal point for taunts and harassment from some American fans.
Even veteran sports talker Chris “Mad Dog” Russo got in on the act, excoriating American soccer fans and Bradley’s comments. The debate over fan conduct at sporting events is evolving. Champions of the game such as Fitzpatrick are leading the charge on creating more respectful and inclusive and supportive environments.
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