By Andy Gilpin,Matthew Neschis

Copyright dailystar

Ryder Cup presenter Heather McMahan has said sorry to Rory McIlroy and stepped down after spearheading a profanity-laden chant aimed at the Northern Irishman. The 36-year-old faced constant heckling from the rowdy spectators at Bethpage Black Golf Course during Saturday’s opening four-ball match alongside Shane Lowry. Officials intervened to tackle the hostile reception McIlroy encountered, displaying messages on the large screens reminding fans about appropriate behaviour whilst police removed disruptive supporters. However, comedian McMahan did nothing to ease the chaotic atmosphere before the morning foursomes commenced, instead actively promoting unsuitable conduct. At the first tee, she was spotted shouting “F*** you Rory!” through a megaphone whilst those in the stands participated. Incensed golf enthusiasts took to social media to condemn McMahan for orchestrating the unprofessional chant. “Someone on the payroll of the @PGA, who was paid to lead the crowd in chants, led them in a ‘F*** you, Rory’ this morning as parents sat in the stands with their kids at the @rydercup,” one X user posted. “This is the state of golf in America, 2025.”, reports the Mirror . Another commented: “Heard the audio of this. It’s a disgrace if that person is the emcee again on the first tee tomorrow. All for getting the crowd riled up but that’s deplorable.” According to the Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter, McMahan offered an apology to McIlroy for her conduct and resigned from her position as first tee presenter following the incident. Rory McIlroy found himself on the receiving end of some harsh crowd chants at the Ryder Cup, initially responding by blowing kisses to the spectators behind the first tee. However, as the day progressed, the banter took a more sinister turn. During his four-ball against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young, McIlroy was repeatedly interrupted by hecklers shouting obscenities and crude remarks, forcing him to step away from his shot. The situation escalated on the 16th hole when McIlroy halted his swing preparation to retort “Shut the f*** up” to a fan who shouted, “Freedom!”. Despite the hostility, McIlroy told reporters that he wasn’t overly bothered by the crowd’s behaviour. “I don’t mind them having a go at us. Like, that’s to be expected,” he said. He added, “I mean, that’s what an away Ryder Cup is. Whenever they are still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that’s the tough thing.” McIlroy continued, “You know, look, in between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine. But just let us – you gave us the respect to let us hit shots, and give us the same chance that the Americans have, I guess.” When asked if he thought the rival fans had overstepped the mark with their conduct, McIlroy responded: “When you play an away Ryder Cup it’s really, really challenging. It’s not for me to say.” He concluded, “People can be their own judge whether they took it too far or not. I’m just proud of us for being able to win with what we had to go through.”