McIlroy thanks PGA chief for Ryder Cup apology and questions LIV changes

While the USA captain, Keegan Bradley, declined to condemn the “passionate” New York fans, McIlroy said the experience ultimately strengthened the European team’s resolve en route to their narrow victory.

APOLOGY: Rory McIlroy with his wife, Erica Stoll, after winning the Ryder Cup in September.

Rory McIlroy says the PGA of America chief executive, Derek Sprague, apologized personally for the abuse directed at the world No 2 and his wife during Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph at Bethpage Black, and that the gesture helped to close the book on what had been a bruising week.

“I got a lovely email from Derek Sprague apologizing,” McIlroy told BBC Sport ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. “Erica worked with Derek at the PGA of America back in the day, so we know Derek and his wife pretty well. He couldn’t have been more gracious or apologetic and he wrote us a lovely letter, which we really appreciated.”