McIlroy Reveals ‘Lovely’ Ryder Cup Apology Letter After Fan Abuse

Rory McIlroy has revealed he received a “lovely email of apology” from PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague following the abuse he and his wife Erica endured during the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.

The Masters champion was a lightning rod for hostile home fans at Bethpage Black, where Europe overcame a hostile atmosphere to claim a dramatic 15-13 victory over Team USA.

Crowd Incident Involving Erica McIlroy

During the heated Saturday action, Erica McIlroy was struck by a tossed beer can, while Rory was the subject of loud, persistent heckling from the American crowd.

However, the 36-year-old Northern Irishman insists the adversity only strengthened the unity of Team Europe.

“I got a lovely email from Derek Sprague apologising,” McIlroy told BBC Sport.

“He couldn’t have been more gracious or apologetic. He wrote us a lovely letter, which we really appreciated.”

Erica previously worked for the PGA of America and had a professional relationship with Sprague and his family.

“I Take It As A Compliment”

Despite the incident, McIlroy has taken a philosophical stance, saying the abuse only served as motivation and a galvanising force for the European team.

“I take it as a compliment that they targeted me.

It was a tough week, but it made us better as a team.

It really put our arms around each other.”

McIlroy played alongside Shane Lowry on the Friday and Saturday afternoons, when tensions ran highest. The Irishman later holed the putt that secured at least a draw, ensuring Europe retained the Cup.

“He was like the big brother I never had. He played incredible golf to keep us in it,” McIlroy added.

A Career Year for McIlroy

McIlroy called 2025 the “season of his golfing life”, having finally completed the career Grand Slam by winning The Masters, along with triumphs at:

• The Players Championship

• The Irish Open

• Pebble Beach

Now, he turns his attention to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, where he aims to secure a record-extending seventh Race to Dubai title.

He leads the standings but faces strong competition from England’s Marco Penge, who is enjoying a breakout season.

“I remember trying to win my first Race to Dubai in 2009… I was motivated and hungry. I’m sure that’s exactly how Marco feels.”

Looking Ahead

McIlroy returns to the Middle East with a sense of gratitude and reflection, saying he never imagined the 2025 season would unfold so spectacularly.

“In my wildest dreams, I didn’t know. I mean, I knew a year like this was possible, but it’s just been an amazing 10 months.”