Sadly, the actions of a minority of American fans at Hazeltine has tainted what was a terrific victory by Davis Love’s men.

For the first two days of the Cup, the Europeans endured cat-calls, screams for their golf balls to go in the water or the trees, shouts at the top of their backswing and, the lowest of all, vulgar screams.

And so it was after two days of boozy abuse and vulgarities directed at Europe’s Ryder Cup stars that the PGA of America issued a statement addressing fan behaviour, less than an hour before the first singles match on the final day.

It read:

This week we’ve seen some of the largest and most exciting Ryder Cup crowds ever.

Minnesota is home to some of the best sports fans in the country and we are so grateful for their enthusiastic support and warm hospitality.

Rooted in the ideals of sportsmanship and international goodwill, the Ryder Cup is about having a spirited passion for not only the victory, but for the game of golf. 

We are encouraging all spectators on Sunday to be passionate and support their team in a way that is respectful to those around them, the players, and the Ryder Cup.  Our security staff will continue to enforce a zero tolerance policy, removing from the course any fans who are disruptive in any way, including the use of vulgar or profane language directed at the players.

We look forward to a strong finish today that reflects the spirit of the Ryder Cup and provides a positive experience for all. 

Nice sentiment, but most of the abusive booze-hounds outside the ropes had more than likely ordered their second round of beers before the PGA’s warning note was released.

But surprisingly, given the PGA’s ‘zero tolerance policy’, the boorish fan was only ejected after Rory complained to security. Shouldn’t security have been more proactive?

Too little, too late one might suggest when you consider some of the incidents over the first two days.

Rory McIlroy copped the lion’s share of the abuse from the gallery. ultimately having to ask for one man to be removed after said spectator screamed “Suck a d*** Rory,” as the World No.3 walked through the gallery to the 8th tee during the Saturday afternoon fourballs.

A video clip posted on Twitter showed McIlroy doubling back after the vulgarity was hurled – with some fans urging him to carry on walking and others calling for the drunk to be kicked out – and confronting the man before then asking security to remove him.

And there were other personal taunts toward the Northern Irishman.

American fans cheer as Rory McIlroy's ball finds the water hazard. PHOTO: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

He was serenaded several times with "Sweet Caroline," a reference to his former fiancée, professional tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, while his current fiancée, Erica Stoll, followed his progress walking along inside the ropes. Classy stuff from the gallery.

“I think there have been some boundaries crossed. I let it get to me a couple of times which I probably shouldn’t have,” McIlroy said. "Someone just said a few derogatory things I thought were over the line. I tried to get him removed. I'm not sure if he was removed or not but these things happen.

"You try your utmost for who you are playing and for who you are supporting. That particular guy, who is obviously in a very small minority, just took it a bit too far.

"It's a tough environment for us to come and play in, but you expect that. It's the same for the US guys when they come to play in Europe.

"You have to keep your concentration out there. It's been a long day and sometimes emotions run high, and we are just glad to get it done and move on, and help Europe get another point.

"It fuelled me a lot. The more they shouted the better we played.”

Spain’s Sergio Garcia was another who copped a tongue-lashing from booze-fueled fans.

"It has been quite poor, I am not going to lie," Garcia said.

"It is unfortunate because I think 85 percent of the people are great and I love playing in America – my girlfriend is American – but that 15 percent is really bad and it makes them (Americans) look bad.

"I feel ashamed for my girlfriend because I know how bad she feels when she hears all the things they tell us but it is what it is, simple as that."

The organisers either need to boost security or cut the supply of booze, or a player is going to end up getting attacked by some rogue spectator fueled up on beers who is keen to make a name for themselves.

One fan was heard to shout "Sergio, you suck" during the fourballs, leading to US vice-captain Tom Lehman telling people to calm down. Again, where was security and the PGA’s zero tolerance policy?

European vice-captain Ian Poulter said some American players stepped in to police some rowdy fans because they were embarrassed of their behavior.

Jordan Spieth was one who tried to quell crowd interruptions.

"I think that we just wanted to make sure that everybody could play their game," he said.

"You know there were times where it would quiet down and then you would get a fan or two that would just yell and single people out maybe.

"We wanted to just hush them down so that they (European players) were able to hit under the same conditions we were able to hit under. I think that's fair.

US Vice Captain Tom Lehman confronts an abusive fan. Where was security? PHOTO: David Cannon/Getty Images.

"Obviously, just like when we play over there, there's going to be cheers when shots are poor for the opponent and then extreme jubilation when we do something well.

"But we wanted to beat them at their best and we thought it would be fair to make sure that we did our part in, I guess, giving them the opportunity that we had when we were hitting shots."

Again … where was security implementing the PGA of America’s Zero Tolerance Policy? Why was it left to players and vice captains to confront drunken louts?

As great as the Ryder Cup was as a spectacle, it does have a security problem that is caused by alcohol consumption. The organisers either need to boost security or cut the supply of booze, or a player is going to end up getting attacked by some rogue spectator fueled up on beers who is keen to make a name for themselves.