(Reuters) -PGA of America chief executive Derek Sprague said on Thursday he will apologise directly to Rory McIlroy and the rest of Europe’s Ryder Cup team and their families for the abusive behaviour they suffered from some spectators during last week’s contest.

The apology follows Europe’s 15-13 victory over the United States at Bethpage Black, where their players were subjected to taunts and personal abuse by fans, who also refused to stay quiet while players were taking their shots.

A master of ceremonies stepped down for her role after joining in with a vulgar chant aimed at McIlroy, while the Northern Irishman’s wife Erica also had a beer thrown in her direction by fans.

“It’s unfortunate that people crossed the line last week,” Sprague told the Golf Channel.

“That’s one thing ou

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