Golf fans react to controversial PGA of America President’s suspension
It’s the end of an era for the PGA of America, after they announced that they have suspended former President Don Rea. Rea’s term was supposed to end in November, but the PGA of America has decided to suspend that term early.
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images It’s the end of an era for the PGA of America, after they announced that they have suspended former President Don Rea. Rea’s term was supposed to end in November, but the PGA of America has decided to suspend that term early. He had already transitioned to focus on “member-first priorities” after the Ryder Cup, and he was noticeably absent from the PGA Championship last week.
He has been a controversial figure at the helm of the PGA of America for several years. At the 2025 PGA Championship, he interrupted and spoke over PGA CEO David Sprague during a press conference discussion about the controversial proposed golf ball rollback. But even more notably, Rea’s comments about the Ryder Cup fans at Bethpage Black landed him in hot water.
Rea attempted to downplay the fans’ abuse towards the likes of Rory McIlroy, comparing the fan behavior to a “youth soccer game”. So when Rea was shown the door by the PGA of America, golf fans were quick to take to social media to share their thoughts on the decision to oust him. Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images Golf fans react to Don Rea’s suspension After the news that Rea had been removed from his role was announced, some fans took to X to celebrate.
But one fan was surprised that it took so long after his comments at the Ryder Cup: “About time. What took so long???? He embarrassed the PGA of America terribly at Bethpage”.