Rory McIlroy played a pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory and subsequently criticized the unruly behavior of the New York crowd as “unacceptable and abusive.” Throughout his five matches at Bethpage Black, McIlroy faced a barrage of insults ranging from personal attacks to criticisms of his golfing history. He was heckled while taking shots and even had his wife hit by a cup of beer.
Expressing his disappointment, McIlroy, who contributed significantly to Europe’s 15-13 win against the United States with a 3-1-1 record, emphasized that the conduct witnessed during the event was not up to standard. The Northern Irish golfer did not shy away from responding to the rowdy spectators, occasionally rebuking them or taking moments to regain composure amidst the disturbances.
While acknowledging the anticipated rowdiness of the New York crowd, McIlroy deemed the behavior as crossing the line of acceptability, prompting him to address the issue post-event. He stressed the importance of upholding a higher level of respect and decorum in golf, highlighting the sport’s capacity to unite people and instill valuable life lessons.
McIlroy attributed the disruptive behavior to a minority within the crowd, contrasting them with the majority of respectful fans who allowed both teams to compete fairly. Despite facing relentless taunts and provocations, McIlroy managed to maintain his focus and performance, ultimately securing a crucial victory for Europe.
Looking ahead to future events, McIlroy emphasized the need for fans to support their respective teams without resorting to disrespectful behavior. With plans for the next Ryder Cup in Ireland, he expressed a desire for a more positive and supportive environment for players and fans alike.