The PGA of America has formally apologized to Erica Stoll after both she and her husband, Rory McIlroy, were subjected to jeering and harassment at the Ryder Cup on September 26. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and conversation about spectator conduct in elite golf events.

The Ryder Cup, held this year at Bethpage Black Golf Course in Farmingdale, New York, is a biennial team competition between the United States and Europe. During the event, Stoll, 38, was struck by a beer can thrown by a spectator, while both she and McIlroy, 36, endured multiple verbal insults from onlookers. At one point, the event’s emcee, Heather McMahan, joined in a chant of “F— you, Rory,” using a megaphone to amplify the refrain. 

In response, the PGA stated:

“Heather has extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup.” 

On October 2, PGA President Don Rea Jr. sent a letter to PGA of America members (obtained by the Associated Press), acknowledging the incident and reaffirming the organization’s stance. In his letter, Rea admitted that although spirited fan engagement is part of the atmosphere, “some fan behavior clearly crossed the line.” He described the actions as “disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative” of the PGA’s values, and said the organization “unequivocally condemns” them. 

Meanwhile, in media interviews, PGA CEO Derek Sprague—who took office earlier this year—expressed regret and pledged better oversight in future tournaments. In a conversation with The Athletic, Sprague revealed he had conducted a detailed discussion with McIlroy’s manager, Sean O’Flaherty, and also sent a detailed email to Rory and Erica assuring them that the PGA would “do better.” “I don’t condone this type of behavior. This is not good for the game of golf … we will do better,” Sprague asserted.  He confessed his disappointment in fan conduct, the first-tee environment, and the emcee’s role in the fiasco. 

In his letter, Rea also confirmed that Sprague had apologized to McIlroy, Erica, and to Ryder Cup Europe. 

The role and conduct of Heather McMahan have been particularly scrutinized. As emcee, she was expected to energize the audience—but instead exacerbated tensions when she echoed the chant, “F— you, Rory,” via megaphone.  After backlash, McMahan stepped down from her duties. On her podcast, she later called her participation a “horrible mistake,” claiming she had not initiated the chant but regretted amplifying it, and said she felt caught up in an uncontrollable atmosphere.  She also characterized the crowd as “feral” and criticized the toxic energy that overtook the event’s early proceedings. 

Beyond the individual apology, the fallout has led to broader criticism of fan behavior at the Ryder Cup. The European team’s captain, Luke Donald, said the behavior had “crossed the line,” citing insults and interference while players were attempting shots.  Rory McIlroy himself described the day as “really challenging,” expressing that some of the abuse he faced—particularly when it occurred mid-swing—was inappropriate. Matt Fitzpatrick, a member of the European side, publicly criticized Rea during the trophy presentation, calling his remarks “bitter” and accusing him of minimizing the severity of the abuse.

As for what lies ahead: the next Ryder Cup is scheduled for 2027 in Ireland. Sprague told The Athletic that he plans to collaborate closely with European organizers to restore the spirit of sportsmanship, integrity, and mutual respect that underpin the tournament’s legacy.  He emphasized that future events must be safeguarded from hostile conduct that undermines the game’s dignity.

In sum, the abuse faced by Erica Stoll and Rory McIlroy at Bethpage Black prompted an institutional reckoning for the PGA of America. The formal apologies from Rea and Sprague, along with McMahan’s resignation and remorse, underscore the seriousness with which the organization views the matter. However, the response has also exposed fractures within the sport—between passionate fan culture and the boundary of respectful support. With eyes already turned toward 2027, all stakeholders will likely face pressure to ensure that decorum, rather than discord, defines the next Ryder Cup.