Team Europe’s Rory McIlroy has spoken out after he became embroiled in a heated altercation with fans on day two of the 2025 Ryder Cup.
McIlroy and fellow European teammate Tommy Fleetwood helped the reigning Ryder Cup champions to an 8½ - 3½ lead at the end of Saturday's foursomes, but their showing was not without drama.
The duo were up against Collin Morikawa and Harris English when the unsavoury incident unfolded on the approach to the 16th green at Bethpage Black.
A member of the partisan US crowd appeared to shout “freedom” as the Northern Irishman was preparing to play his shot.
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This came after a similar incident had occurred earlier in the day, which resulted in the five-time major winner blowing kisses towards the spectators.
Instead, this time he backed away from his shot and said: “Guys, shut the f**k up,” to the dismay of the New York crowd, who quickly jeered.
The 36-year-old then returned his focus to play and fired his iron shot from the rough to within three feet of the flag.
The shot helped McIlroy and Fleetwood to a 3&2 victory over their American opponents.
McIlroy has since responded to the day’s events and surprisingly claimed that he doesn’t “mind them [the fans] having a go”.
“I don’t mind them having a go at us,” McIlroy explained. “Like that’s to be expected. 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.
“You know, look, in between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine. But just give us the respect to let us hit shots, and give us the same chance that the Americans have, I guess.”
The pair’s triumph was the fourth consecutive victory for the duo dubbed ‘Fleetwood-Mac’.
Fleetwood also gave his thoughts on their performance, admitting that he “made a hash” of some shots despite the win.
“We played phenomenally well for 12 of the holes, and for the next few holes, it was like we were always kind of one golf shot away from the match being over,” Fleetwood said.
Topics: Rory Mcilroy, Ryder Cup, Golf
Luke Davies