Overview
- Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, McIlroy said he and his wife Erica received a “lovely” email and letter from Derek Sprague apologizing.
- At Bethpage Black, McIlroy faced sustained heckling from home fans, and a thrown beer struck Erica McIlroy’s hat during the three-day contest.
- McIlroy said the hostility caused delays that prompted added security and ejections, yet he felt it galvanized Team Europe in their 15-13 victory.
- He noted that Erica previously worked with Sprague at the PGA of America, which he said gave the message a more personal tone.
- Sprague has publicly vowed the PGA will “do better” on fan conduct, while U.S. captain Keegan Bradley declined to condemn what he called “passionate” home support.