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Heather McMahan Apologizes and Disputes Role in Chant as Scrutiny of Ryder Cup Crowd Puts PGA on the Defensive

PGA president Don Rea’s “not bothered” stance has drawn sharp rebukes from players and commentators.

Overview

  • On her podcast, the first‑tee emcee said she did not start the “F— you, Rory” chant, called repeating it a “horrible mistake,” and had already stepped down and apologized.
  • McMahan said the first‑tee atmosphere turned “toxic” and reported receiving death threats following the incident.
  • Reports from Bethpage detailed abusive heckling of Europe’s players, extra police around Rory McIlroy’s group, and a thrown drink that hit his wife, Erica Stoll.
  • Don Rea compared New York’s atmosphere to Rome and said he was “not bothered,” drawing criticism from Matt Fitzpatrick and others who called the comments offensive and inaccurate.
  • Europe won 15–13, and the fallout has intensified calls to clarify and enforce fan conduct standards at future Ryder Cups.