PGA Has Set Precedent on Ryder Cup Hecklers as Tournament Turns Ugly

The PGA has previously set a precedent for Ryder Cup hecklers as the tournament threatens to turn ugly.

Team Europe players have faced a barrage of abuse in New York as Luke Donald’s men dominate stateside.

Shane Lowry was not happy when a fan had disturbed teammate Rory McIlroy’s approach to a shot on day two of the 2025 Ryder Cup.

Earlier in the day, McIlroy had responded to abuse by blowing initially blowing kisses towards the crowd, before shouting “Guys, shut the f*** up” later in day two.

And Lowry also got in on the act after he putted an eagle, where he furiously shouted “come on” before turning his ire towards one spectator, adding “f*** you” to the fan in question.

Fan ejected for heckling McIlroy and Lowry

It was later confirmed that a fan had been ejected by the course, though it was unclear the reason behind this, nor was there anything to suggest it was the spectator who bore the brunt Lowry’s two-word reaction.

It’s similar to McIlroy’s demand a fan be ejected from the course in 2016 after the supporter directed a crude comment in the direction of the Irish golf star.

While some of the comments from the US supporters at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota had been playful, they became increasingly nasty on the second day of action during Saturday’s fourball contests.

McIlroy had made an unlikely birdie on the seventh hole almost 10 years ago and celebrated by turning toward Lake Hazeltine and howling with glee.

The celebration was greeted with jeers, and as McIlroy made his way to the eighth hole with crowds lining both sides of the 300-yard walk, one fan leaned over the rope and shouted an obscenity at the Team Europe golfer.

Rory McIlroy celebrates at the 2016 Ryder Cup (Image: Getty)

McIlroy stopped, pointed out the fan to officials and stared the supporter down until he was ejected from the course.

"He said some derogatory things that went over the line. I tried to get him removed," McIlroy said of the incident in 2016.

Hostile crowd 'fuelled' McIlroy

However, he added that the hostile US crowd fuelled him, saying: “It's a tough environment for us to come and play in.

“We expect that. It's the same for the U.S. 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.

“It fuelled me a lot. The more they shouted, the better we played. I hope they shout at us all day tomorrow.”

It’s certainly helped Team Europe this year as they took an 11.5-4.5 lead into day three of the 2025 Ryder Cup.