Rory McIlroy said PGA of America chief executive Derek Sprague sent him a personal apology for the abuse the Northern Irishman and his wife suffered during Europe's Ryder Cup victory.

Europe held off a stirring final day fightback from the United States to win 15-13 in New York in September.

McIlroy was the centre of attention for a hostile home crowd with incessant abuse with a beer even thrown at his wife Erica McIlroy, which hit her on the hat.

"I got a lovely e-mail from Derek Sprague apologising," McIlroy told the BBC ahead of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

"Erica worked with Derek at the PGA of America back in the day, so we know Derek and his wife pretty well.

"He couldn't have been more gracious or apologetic and he wrote us a lovely letter, which we really appreciated."

McIlroy

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