PGA of America president belatedly admits US Ryder Cup fans ‘crossed line’ with abuse

• Don Rea Jr writes letter to organization's members

• European players and wives were verbally abused

The president of the PGA of America, who had initially dismissed abuse directed at Europe's players during this year's Ryder Cup as no worse than at a youth soccer game", has issued an apology.

Let me begin with what we must own. While the competition was spirited - especially with the US team's rally on Sunday afternoon - some fan behavior clearly crossed the line," Don Rea Jr wrote in an email to PGA of America members. It was disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative of who we are as the PGA of America or as PGA of America golf professionals. We condemn that behavior unequivocally."