Topics: Ryder Cup, Rory Mcilroy, Golf
Shane Lowry aimed a two-word dig at a US fan on day two of the Ryder Cup, with reports suggesting one supporter was ejected from the Bethpage Black course.
Team Europe’s Lowry did not hold back with his response to what appeared to be a US fan on Saturday.
The 38-year-old Irishman was not best pleased after a fan had earlier disturbed Rory McIlroy’s approach to a shot.
Earlier on day two, the five-time major winner responded by initially blowing kisses towards the crowd before shouting, “Guys, shut the f**k up,” later in the day.
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Lowry returned his focus to his putt with his eagle further benefiting leaders Europe, but instead of calmly walking away from the hole, he furiously appeared to shout “come on” before adding “f**k you” to one unlucky spectator.
Sky Sports’ coverage confirmed that a fan had been ejected from the course – although it is unclear the reason for this, and there’s nothing to suggest it was the supporter who caught the brunt of Lowry’s reaction.
This was just one of many unsavoury player-fan interactions on day two of the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup.
It appeared that the more Team USA struggled, the crowd would become hostile towards the European players, who did not let it directly negatively impact their performance.
2003 US PGA Championship winner Shaun Michael told BBC Radio 5 Live that what was being said to McIlroy was “pretty appalling”.
“I think this is going to work against the US if [certain fans] continue the things they are saying,” Michael said.
“It’s going to be over a lot quicker than even the US is worried about.”
Meanwhile, a police officer could be seen conversing with one fan wearing a stars and stripes golf shirt – but it is unclear what was said.
Despite the many incidents on Saturday, Northern Irishman McIlroy explained that he doesn’t “mind them [the fans] having a go”.
“Like that’s to be expected,” he said. “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.”
Europe have not won a Ryder Cup on US soil since 2012.
