Fitzpatrick Responds to PGA President’s Statements
Following the recent Ryder Cup, the controversy continues. Matt Fitzpatrick, a prominent European golfer, has expressed his discontent with the statements made by PGA of America President Don Rea. Rea’s statements, comparing the behavior of the public at Bethpage Black with that of Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (venue of the 2023 Ryder Cup), have generated controversy.When asked about the treatment Rory McIlroy received from the fans in Long Island, Rea made this comparison. McIlroy was the target of jeers and harassment during the Ryder Cup, which led to increased security around him. Fitzpatrick believes that comparing Rea is inappropriate. The European golfer argues that the atmosphere in Rome was different, characterized by a friendlier and more comradely environment. Additionally, Fitzpatrick expressed his perception of the trophy presentation on Sunday. He feels there was a certain lack of sincerity in Rea’s congratulations. “I don’t want to speak for everyone, but we felt a bit of bitterness during the trophy presentation and the handshake,” he said. “Rosie [Justin Rose] and I looked at each other thinking the congratulations didn’t sound very sincere. He said we just held it, but we actually won it.”“What the PGA of America guy said about it being the same in Rome… he clearly wasn’t there. 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. The interview with the PGA guy saying it was the same in Rome. That’s pretty offensive to the European fans.”
Matt Fitzpatrick
