PGA president Don Rea rapped “Lose Yourself” by Eminem in a hotel lobby as chaos and concerns of fan behavior escalated at last month’s Ryder Cup, according to The Sunday Times.
Rea, who was appointed president last year, was animated Saturday while on the mic at an official hotel for players’ families and guests, where some watched a college football game.
The karaoke moment took place hours after a beer was tossed over the head Rory McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, while she was walking on hole 17 at Bethpage Black to support Team Europe on Day 2 of the three-day event.
Team USA trailed, 11.5-4.5, at the time of Rea’s rapping.
Team Europe eventually beat the Americans, 15-13.
Rea faced some criticism for downplaying the fan behavior, which included lewd insults aimed mostly at McIlroy, in an interview with BBC on Sept. 29.
He likened the 50,000 daily crowd to a “youth soccer game” and said he “hadn’t heard some of that [heckling towards McIlroy],” according to The Sunday Times.
“I’m sure it happened. It happens when we’re over in Rome on the other side, and Rory understands. Things like that are going to happen,” Rea said.
As backlash grew, including from English star Matthew Fitzpatrick, Rea ultimately apologized for this actions.
“Let me begin with what we must own. While the competition was spirited — especially with the U.S. team’s rally on Sunday afternoon — some fan behavior clearly crossed the line,” Rea said in a letter obtained by the AP. “It was disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative of who we are as the PGA of America or as PGA of America golf professionals. We condemn that behavior unequivocally…. While it wasn’t my intention, some of my comments were seen in a negative light which reflects poorly on not only myself but also on the PGA of America and for that I truly apologize.”
Things got personal on the course in Long Island, according to Team Europe.
During their post Ryder Cup press conference, multiple players said they heard heckling toward Stoll.
PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague, who began the role earlier this year, said he apologized to McIlroy, 36, and his wife, as well as the rest of the European team, after their victory.
Comedian Heather McMahan stepped down from her role as emcee at the Ryder Cup after she was heard joining in on a profane fan chant directed at McIlroy.
McMahan — who said she apologized to the Northern Irishman and the European team —explained she did not start the “f–k you, Rory” chant, and that she tried to shut it down but couldn’t control the crowd.
The Ryder Cup will head back to Europe for 2027.