Don Rea Jr has stepped down as president of the PGA of America, effective immediately, following controversy over his handling of fan behavior during the 2023 Ryder Cup.

The PGA of America's board of directors had suspended Rea for the remainder of his two-year term, which was set to end in November. PGA of America vice-president Nathan Charnes has been named acting president.

Rea faced criticism for his response to verbal abuse directed at European players during last year's Ryder Cup tournament. The president had compared the crowd behavior to what might be seen at a "youth soccer game," a characterization that drew widespread backlash.

The Ryder Cup, held at Marco Simone Golf Club outside Rome, featured intense crowd dynamics that became a focal point of discussion throughout the tournament. European players reported experiencing hostile treatment from spectators during the competition.

Rea's departure represents a significant leadership change for the PGA of America, which oversees golf professionals and conducts major championships. His term had been marked by what sources described as tumultuous circumstances surrounding the organization's handling of various issues.

The organization has not announced a timeline for selecting a permanent replacement for the remainder of the presidential term.