Even back in 2013, when Bethpage Black was designated as the host for this year`s Ryder Cup, it was widely anticipated that the event could be among the most vociferous and, potentially, most unruly in recent memory.
However, the events that unfolded on Saturday during the afternoon four-ball match, featuring European stars Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, escalated far beyond what was merely anticipated.
Throughout all 18 holes, the European golfing duo endured relentless heckling and shouts, particularly as they prepared for shots or putts. As their match against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young progressed, and Europe`s lead over the United States widened, the crowd`s fervor intensified, necessitating heightened security and resulting in the ejection of several spectators.
On the fourth green, McIlroy was forced to step away from his ball repeatedly due to persistent shouts from the fans.
“We understood what awaited us here. It was an exceptionally tough day,” Lowry commented. “Playing alongside Rory doesn’t make it any simpler; I believe he’s bearing the brunt of the abuse.”
Earlier on Saturday, during the foursomes match, McIlroy was heckled while preparing for a shot and was caught on broadcast television responding with a terse, “Shut the f— up!”
“I don`t object to them getting after us; that’s to be expected. It’s what an away Ryder Cup entails,” McIlroy stated after his morning round. “But when they persist while you’re standing over the ball, trying to execute a shot, that’s where the difficulty truly lies.”
The atmosphere grew increasingly hostile as fans zeroed in on McIlroy. The taunts ranged from direct insults like, “F— you, Rory,” to specific remarks about his past major championship losses at Pinehurst, claims that his Masters victory this year was a “fluke,” and even personal attacks concerning his private life and marriage. Lowry also endured his share of abuse, including comments about his weight, his perceived lack of contribution to their partnership, and the assertion that neither of them “could handle the fans.”
“Look, competing in an away Ryder Cup is incredibly challenging,” McIlroy remarked. “It’s not my place to comment; people can decide for themselves whether the fans crossed the line or not.”
By the ninth hole on Saturday afternoon, approximately 20 New York State Police troopers were positioned along the ropes as the golfers teed off. Additionally, several Bethpage State Park Police officers on bicycles were monitoring the galleries.
On the 10th hole, after both Lowry and McIlroy had completed their tee shots, Lowry summoned a state trooper and requested the removal of a fan who had hurled an insult at McIlroy just before his drive.
Rory McIlroy absorbed the crowd’s taunts at Bethpage Black and responded emphatically with a pair of victories on Saturday.
In an official statement, the PGA of America confirmed that additional security personnel and state police were deployed to McIlroy’s match and other afternoon sessions. Furthermore, the number of messages displayed on videoboards concerning fan conduct was increased.
“We will continue to closely monitor spectator behavior and implement appropriate actions,” the PGA affirmed.
Beau Duffy, a spokesperson for the New York State Police, confirmed that two fans were ejected from the premises.
Yet, even with enhanced security, the clamor and heckling persisted. As McIlroy lined up a putt on the 11th green, several marshals, rules officials, and even competitors Thomas and Young raised their arms, attempting to signal the fans in the adjacent grandstand to calm down and allow McIlroy to complete his routine without interruption.
Observing from behind the green, European player Robert MacIntyre, who was not competing in the afternoon session, gestured to a European staff member, suggesting that Thomas, who had initially thrived on the crowd`s energy, was now attempting to play both sides by calming them down.
“He’s f—ing egging them on and now he’s trying to quiet them down,” MacIntyre reportedly said.
McIlroy seemed to suppress his emotions amidst the chaos until he found an opportunity to retaliate. On the 14th hole, with the match tied, he sank a birdie putt, retrieved his ball, and erupted in a powerful display of emotion. He pumped his fist and gestured towards the grandstand crowd, bellowing several shouts of “Come on! Come the f— on!” before holding an intense stare at the fans. When Thomas subsequently missed his birdie putt, giving the Europeans their first lead since the ninth hole, McIlroy again glared at the crowd and pointed decisively at the scoreboard.
“It was an exceptionally demanding day,” McIlroy concluded. “I’m utterly drained… I anticipate a sound night’s sleep.”
On the 18th green, following their 2-up victory against Thomas and Young, both McIlroy and Lowry embraced their wives and teammates before celebrating with the grandstand crowd, which by then was predominantly filled with vocal European supporters.
“I found the fans to be passionate. After all, their home team is performing poorly,” remarked U.S. captain Keegan Bradley regarding the American crowd’s conduct. “I wasn’t in Rome, but I heard many accounts of similar unruly behavior there. There will always be a few individuals who cross the line, which is regrettable… partly it’s our fault. We’re not playing to the standards they expect, and they are understandably angry.”
Lowry, nonetheless, characterized Saturday’s experience as truly unique.
“It was incredibly intense; unlike anything I’ve ever encountered,” Lowry expressed. “But this is what I live for. This is it. Honestly, this is why I wake up every morning—for moments like these. I adore doing this. I love being a member of this team, and I desperately want us to clinch this tournament victory.”
