PGA of America president Don Rea is struggling to lose himself from the spotlight amid his Ryder Cup backlash.Rea, who was elected bigwig of the PGA of America in 2024, has faced calls to resign in the wake of how he handled the appalling abuse faced by Team Europe at Bethpage Black last week.Rea has faced mounting calls to step down as PGA of America presidentGettyRory McIlroy and his wife, Erica, as well as Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre and several other members of the team and support staff were victims of vile insults in New York.Erica had a drink thrown at her while McIlroy was subjected to homophobic slurs.Rea hit the headlines after downplaying the abuse and claiming it was similar to the behaviour from supporters in Rome two years ago, something that has been fiercely rebuked.He then defended his comments and said ‘I am not bothered’ following calls for him to step down.Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrell Hatton have been among the Ryder Cup stars to call out Rea’s comments as ‘bitter’ and ‘offensive’.And now Rea has raised eyebrows further following revelations of his actions in New York after Saturday’s ugly scenes.The Sunday Times has reported that amid the fallout Rea decided to sing karaoke at an official hotel for players’ families and guests.The PGA of America president decided to belt out Lose Yourself by the rapper Eminem just hours after McIlroy and Lowry’s ill-tempered match against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young had concluded.That afternoon four-ball match, which Europe’s star Irish duo won 2UP, saw the abuse hit new levels with McIlroy’s wife Erica hit by a beer bottle in the celebrations after.Rea then held his now-viral interview on Sunday morning, dismissing that abuse.McIlroy and his wife Erica faced vile abuse at the Ryder CupGettyDespite initially doubling down, Rea has now finally apologised for those comments.As per bunkered, Rea sent an email to the PGA of America’s membership on Thursday afternoon.He wrote: “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 behaviour clearly crossed the line. It was disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative of who we are as the PGA or as PGA of America Golf Professionals. We condemn that behaviour unequivocally.“What makes our sport great is that we own our bogeys. We certainly own this one. Our CEO Derek Sprague has apologised on our behalf to Erica and Rory McIlroy and to everyone with Ryder Cup Europe.“I would also like to apologise personally to them and all of you for not representing our association in the best light with some of my comments in the media during the event.“While it wasn’t my intention, 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 apologise.Rea’s actions have raised eyebrows“Moving forward, we will continue to promote the passionate and respectful support for both teams, and we’ll evaluate ways to more quickly identify and remove those few who discredit the Ryder Cup and the game of golf through personal or derogatory remarks.”Prior to those comments from Rea, PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague was quicker to offer a ‘heartfelt apology’ to the McIlroys.Sprague said: “I haven’t spoken to Rory or Erica [McIlroy], I do plan on sending them an e-mail with my heartfelt apologies because of what occurred.“There’s no place for that in the Ryder Cup or the game of golf. I heard Rory say it, we’re better than that in golf.“That’s one thing our game has always portrayed when you compare us to other sports is that golf is a great game and people enjoy the game because of the values that golf has.“I can’t wait to reach out to Rory and Erica, and really the entire European team.“Rory might have been a target because of how good he is, but the entire European team should not have been subjected to that.“I feel badly and I plan on apologising to them.”