Europe hero urges fans not to seek revenge for abuse aimed at stars at next Ryder Cup

Tyrrell Hatton has called on home fans not to seek vengeance for the abuse inflicted on Europe’s Ryder Cup players when the Americans next visit.

The PGA of America has been forced to apologise following the foul-mouthed attacks on Europe’s players at Bethpage from US fans which have left a bitter aftertaste.

But Hatton, who went unbeaten for a second successive Ryder Cup as Europe retained the trophy with a 15-13 victory, does not want fans at Adare Manor in 2027 targeting the US team in the same manner.

“If it was my choice, and obviously what I say isn't really going to affect how people behave, I don't really think that the insults are the way forward,” said Hatton, who grabbed the half-point that won the match in the Sunday singles.

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“To be honest, I think some guys on the team had it a lot worse than others. For me personally, there were a lot of insults maybe around height or hairline or weight, some of which I pretty much say to myself anyway, so it wasn't like anything new.

“But I would much prefer it to be a respectful atmosphere. You let the guys play and the best team wins - rather than trying to affect the outcome by trying to put off players or things like that.

“I don't think it will be as hostile as maybe as it was last week. I'd like to think that it will be very respectful.”

Rory McIlroy was the target of the worst abuse with his American wife Erica also the subject of disgusting chants. PGA of America chief executive Derek Sprague told Golf Channel he plans to make a personal apology to both.

“I can’t wait to reach out to Rory and Erica and really, quite frankly, the entire European team,” said Sprague. “The whole European team should not have been subjected to that. And because of that, I feel badly and I plan on apologising to them.”

However Matt Fitzpatrick yesterday said the PGA of America were not blameless themselves, accusing president Don Rae of sour grapes at the trophy presentation.

“I don't want to speak on behalf of everyone but we did feel there was a little bit of bitterness when they presented the trophy,” said Fitzpatrick.

“Me and Rosey both looked at each other as if to say: ‘That wasn't a very heartfelt congratulations.’ He said we only retained it but actually we won it.”

Victorious European captain Luke Donald has his players’ unanimous backing to continue in the role but is currently mulling over his options.

Tommy Fleetwood says if he chooses to walk away then Europe have a captain-in-waiting in his assistant Francesco Molinari.

“I’ve spoken to Francesco about it numerous times. I think the respect he has from his peers and the players, his accomplishments and his experience, I think goes a long way to being a Ryder Cup captain,” said Fleetwood, Europe’s top points scorer at Bethpage.

Fleetwood, Hatton, Fitzpatrick and Bob McIntyre are back in action at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland today.