LETTER FROM AMERICA

Sprague apologises to Rory and his wife for rough Ryde

- JIM VAN WIJK

RORY MCILROY revealed PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague apologised for the abuse directed at him and his wife during Europe's Ryder Cup win.

Europe held off a stirring fightback from the United States at Bethpage Black.

The Americans had gone into the final session 12-5 down before mounting a spirited comeback in the singles, only to come up short in New York.

Luke Donald's team - and McIlroy in particular - were on the end of some unsavoury abuse from a partisan crowd across the three days.