Rory McIlroy had choice words for home fans after an intense day of Ryder Cup action at Bethpage Black yesterday, as the Northern Irishman took a swing at the hostile crowd on day two.
Team Europe find itself in the ascendancy after Saturday’s action, with The Masters victor making his feelings clear after an ill-tempered day of activity that left the USA lagging behind by an extraordinary seven points, 11.5 to 4.5, ahead of the final day of proceedings on Sunday.
One instance in particular grabbed the headlines at the 16th hole, as the 36-year-old was forced to endure being the subject of heckling in the hostile environment, and was heard reacting to booing by telling one fan to “shut the f*** up.”
McIlroy was less than impressed with the New York spectators and would later go on to delay the action as the home support continued unabated. His fourballs opponent, Justin Thomas, even had to ask supporters to turn down the volume.
Fan Behaviour at 2025 Ryder Cup
This comes off the back of news that the PGA in America had decided to bring in additional security on Saturday to try to keep the event civil. Reports that spectators had been ejected for continued bad behaviour have been widespread, with McIlroy often the target of chanting in instances that could be seen to cross the line.
It was far from the only heated moment on day two, as Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Rose had more than a few choice words for one another after the European requested DeChambeau’s caddie vacate the green as he set up a putt.
McIlroy, on the other hand, had more than just punchy words for the crowds, as he allegedly produced an offensive gesture on Friday, as tempers threatened to boil over.
Questioned on the overall crowd experience on Saturday, the pro golfer took the diplomatic route as Team Europe put themselves in a commanding position ahead of the third and final day.
Rory McIlroy on Team USA Fans at Ryder Cup
“Look, you know, when you’re playing away [in the] Ryder Cup, it’s really, really challenging. It’s not for me to say. People can be their own judge of whether they took it too far or not. I’m just proud of us for being able to win today with what we had to go through.”
Rory McIlroy will take on world number one Scottie Scheffler at 1:35 pm (ET) in what promises to be a thrilling showdown as singles action commences on Sunday.