“What Took So Long”: Golf Fans React After Controversial PGA of America President's Suspension Announcement
August 1, 2025, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA: PGA, Golf Herren of America President DON REA speaks following the final day of the PGA Junior Championships on August 1, 2025, at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Ind. West Lafayette USA - ZUMAw145 20250801_zsp_w145_020 Copyright: xDavidxWegielx
August 1, 2025, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA: PGA, Golf Herren of America President DON REA speaks following the final day of the PGA Junior Championships on August 1, 2025, at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Ind. West Lafayette USA - ZUMAw145 20250801_zsp_w145_020 Copyright: xDavidxWegielx
Don Rea compared the fan abuse aimed at Rory McIlroy during the Ryder Cup to a “youth soccer game.” Fans didn't like this, and now, after his suspension as PGA of America president, many people online are reacting strongly.
The 57-year-old had already stepped away from his daily duties to focus on “member-first priorities” after the Ryder Cup. He was also not seen at last week’s PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club.
The Bethpage Black incident defined his time in charge for many people. During the Ryder Cup, Rea publicly played down the fan behavior directed at McIlroy and other European players. His comments were strongly criticized right away.
Sep 6, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Don Rea, President of the PGA of America, throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Don Rea, President of the PGA of America, throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
His time as president also included other difficult moments. During a press conference at the 2025 PGA Championship, Rea cut off PGA CEO David Sprague while they were talking about the planned golf ball rollback.
The awkward exchange became another moment that brought more attention to the growing criticism around him.
Rea's term was due to end in November, but the PGA of America moved that timeline up.
The PGA of America serves roughly 30,000 members. That membership, it turns out, had a great deal to say once the news broke.
Golf fans and PGA members hit back at the suspension
The reaction on X was immediate. One fan didn't mince words on the timing. "About time. What took so long?" they posted. "He embarrassed the PGA of America terribly at Bethpage."
Others connected the suspension to broader frustrations about the organization's recent decisions, including the PGA Championship venue.
"If he had a say in the last PGA Championship site and setup, then yes, he should go or retire," one user posted.
Several PGA of America members also questioned the way the suspension was handled and explained.
One member, who has been with the organization, shared his frustration: "The PGA's failure to provide timely, meaningful and direct disclosure to the members regarding the changing status and authority of the sitting President is troublesome."
Another pointed out that members had no input on either the suspension or Rea's successor. "And the paying dues members had 0 say in this decision or who succeeds him," they wrote, noting they still supported the move itself.
For some, Rea's exit alone isn't enough. "I sincerely hope the PGA of America Directors who helped elect/defend/hide Mr. Rea will tender their resignations in the coming weeks," one X user posted.
The PGA of America has 30,000 members. Right now, a number of them are waiting for answers.
Do you think the PGA of America handled Don Rea's suspension correctly, or did members deserve more transparency?
Read more at Club Golf!
Written by
Sneha Abraham
Edited by
Suyashdeep Sason