Shane Lowry Launches Projectile at US Fans after Brutal Ryder Cup Taunts
Shane Lowry launched a projectile at American fans after being subjected to brutal taunts during the Ryder Cup.
The Irishman etched his name into Ryder Cup folklore on Sunday, after sinking the decisive putt that ensured Europe retained the prestigious trophy. After two fantastic days at Bethpage Black, Team Europe entered the final day of singles with a commanding 11.5-4.5 lead.
With Viktor Hovland unable to play through injury, the visitors added another half point But America staged an impressive fightback on Sunday, with Europe's biggest stars Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy unable to halt a rampant home team.
That left the pressure on Lowry with just four singles games left in play. The Irishman held his nerve on the 18th green to deliver the crucial half point that brought Europe's total to 14 and enough to retain the Ryder Cup.
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The dramatic finish sparked wild celebrations from the European players and their travelling supporters.
But for Lowry the moment carried an extra layer of sweetness.
The 38-year-old had been fat-shamed by sections of the American crowd throughout the weekend.
And in his celebrations on the 18th, he hit back by grabbing a packet of food and launching it into the crowd.
What did Shane Lowry say?
After holing the most important putt of his career, Lowry admitted that he did not know what to do.
He ran across the green, thumping his chest, before breaking down in tears alongside his wife Wendy.
Lowry said: “I’ve been so lucky to experience amazing things in this game, but that was honestly the hardest couple of hours of my whole life.
“I just can’t believe that putt went in.
"I said to Darren walking down 18, 'I have a chance to do the coolest thing in my life here'.
"The Ryder Cup means everything to me. I’ve won the Open: amazing, a dream come true.
"But the Ryder Cup for me is everything. To do that there today on the 18th green in front of everyone? It was so hard. I stood over it going, 'This is it'."
What did Shane Lowry's teammates say?
Lowry's close friend Rory McIlroy was full of praise for the Irishman.
The pair played together in Saturday's fourballs, where Lowry had to be restrained from confronting a heckler.
The Northern Irishman had fallen short against world number one Scottie Scheffler and he was thankful for Lowry's heroics.
McIlroy said: “I'll be forever indebted to him for that.
“This is his third Ryder Cup, and it's his best performance. He's been absolutely immense this week."
Topics: Ryder Cup, Golf, Rory Mcilroy
James Taylor