Don Rea has been replaced as president of the PGA of America following controversy stemming from last year’s Ryder Cup.
The PGA of America said in a statement that the move “followed a series of issues over time that, taken together, were determined to be detrimental to the Association.” Nathan Charnes has been appointed as acting president, stepping up from his role as vice president. He will serve until November, which was when Rea’s two-year term was due to end.
Ryder Cup Controversies Led to Removal
Rea faced criticism regarding a number of incidents at last September’s Ryder Cup, which the PGA of America ran.
- Comments made to the BBC on the Sunday of the event.
- His karaoke performance on the Saturday night.
- A comment made during the trophy ceremony on Sunday.
On the Sunday of the Ryder Cup, Rea spoke to the BBC about spectator behaviour after some fans at Bethpage Black on Long Island had been unruly toward the European team. He said, “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 somebody 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.”
When asked specifically about fan comments directed at Rory McIlroy, Rea responded, “I haven’t heard some of that. 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.”
Rea later sent a letter to PGA of America members to apologise and condemn the fan behaviour. “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.” In November, McIlroy said that Rea had reached out to apologise.
Karaoke and Trophy Ceremony Comments
Rea was also recorded singing “Lose Yourself” by Eminem on the Saturday night of the Ryder Cup, after the day’s play. The Fried Egg golf website found and circulated video of the performance.
After Europe won the event 15-13, Rea stated during the trophy ceremony that the Europeans retained the cup, instead of saying they had won it outright.
Reassigned Duties Preceded Ousting
In February, it was reported that Rea had been reassigned to focus on “member-first priorities.” Rea was not publicly seen at last week’s PGA Championship. During a press conference before the tournament, PGA of America CEO Terry Clark was asked about PGA of America governance and why Rea wasn’t at the media session. Clark said Rea had been focused on “how we think about our membership.”
A reporter asked if the move was related to Rea’s Ryder Cup comments.
“I think you’re specifically talking to Don and his comme
Nathan Charnes will serve as acting president until November.