Controversial PGA of America president is out after chaotic Ryder Cup
Don Rea, embroiled in controversy following occasions finally yr’s Ryder Cup, has been changed as president of the PGA of America.
In a press release late Friday afternoon, the governing physique stated that the transfer “followed a series of issues over time that, taken together, were determined to be detrimental to the Association.” The PGA stated Nathan Charnes could be moved from vice president to appearing president till November, when Rea’s two-year time period was to have ended.
Rea had caught warmth finally September’s Ryder Cup, which was run by the PGA of America, over a collection of actions, together with:
– His comments to the BBC on the Sunday of the occasion. A day earlier, spectators at Bethpage Black on Long Island had turned unruly towards the European workforce, and Rea, after being requested about that, began his reply this manner:
“Well, you got 50,000 people here that are really excited, and, heck, you can go to a youth soccer game and get some people who say the wrong things. We tell the fans booing at someone doesn’t make them play worse. Typically it makes them play better. And when our American players have to control the crowds, that distracts from playing.”
Rea was then requested particularly about fan feedback towards Rory McIlroy, who was enjoying for Europe.
“I haven’t heard any of that,” he stated. “I’m sure it’s happened. You know, it happens when we’re over in Rome on the other side. And Rory understands. I thought he handled the press conference yesterday amazingly. But yeah, things like that are going to happen. I don’t know what was said. But all I know is golf is the engine of good.”
One day later, Rea despatched a letter to PGA of America members condemning the fan habits, and he apologized. “While it wasn’t my intention,” Rea wrote, “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.” McIlroy additionally said in November that Rea had reached out to apologize.
– His karaoke efficiency on the Saturday evening of the occasion. Following the unruly play that afternoon, Rea was recorded singing “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, and video of that was discovered and circulated by The Fried Egg golf website.
– A touch upon Sunday throughout the trophy ceremony. After Europe received the occasion 15-13, Rea stated the Europeans retained the cup, as an alternative of profitable it outright.
In February, Golfweek’s Adam Schupak reported that Rea had been reassigned to deal with “member-first priorities.” At final week’s PGA Championship, one other PGA of America occasion, Rea was not publicly seen. At a press convention on the day earlier than the event, PGA of America CEO Terry Clark was requested about PGA of America governance and why Rea wasn’t on the media session, and he stated that Rea had been centered on “how we think about our membership.”
