PGA of America president Don Rea Jr., who initially compared vitriolic comments at the Ryder Cup with what could be heard at a youth soccer game, finally apologized Thursday in an email to the 30,000-plus golf professionals he was elected to serve.

Europe built a record lead after two days and held on for a 15-13 victory -- its six in the last eight Ryder Cups -- but the event was marred by a gallery that made it personal and profane.

"Let me begin with what we must own. While the competition was spirited -- especially with the U.S. team's rally on Sunday afternoon -- some fan behavior clearly crossed the line," said Rea's letter to PGA of America members, which was obtained by The Associated Press. "It was disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative of who we are as the PGA of

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