Almost a year to the day since Team Europe overcame several obstacles to claim an unforgettable Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black, Monday, September 28 will mark the first anniversary of Europe’s hard-fought 15-13 victory in New York.
It looked set to be a procession as Luke Donald’s team sprinted into a seven-point lead ahead of the final day’s singles matches. The US did mount a fightback, cutting the deficit to two points, but Europe held their nerve in one of the most partisan atmospheres in Ryder Cup history.
Abuse aimed at McIlroy and Fleetwood
“I didn't hear a lot of shouts for Scottie [Scheffler], but I heard a lot of shouts against me,” Rory McIlroy said following Europe’s victory on the Sunday. "Support your players. The amount of security presence was insane. Nothing was going to happen, there wasn't going to be a physical altercation but there was a lot of language that was unacceptable and abusive behaviour."
Tommy Fleetwood won four of his five matches during the tournament but had to contend with vile taunts about his family. The English golfer has been married to his manager Clare since 2017, with the couple having a 23-year age gap. The subject was raised by some American spectators, who shouted: “Your wife looks like my grandmother.” Fleetwood did not acknowledge the crowd’s comments, instead choosing to focus on his game as he claimed his third Ryder Cup victory.
McIlroy was also the subject of abuse from the sidelines, with many barbs aimed in his direction as he prepared to take his shots. The Master champion had blown kisses in their direction but later made his frustration clear during Saturday’s foursomes, telling the crowd: “Guys, shut the f*** up.” The 37-year-old also admonished the crowd for their behaviour towards his wife Erica, who was hit by a drink that a spectator had thrown.
“It should be off-limits, but it wasn't this week,” McIlroy said. “Erica is fine. She's a strong woman. She handled everything this week with class and poise and dignity like she always has. I love her and we're going to have a good time celebrating [this win].”
Heated exchanges on the course
Justin Rose and Fleetwood found themselves at the centre of a heated exchange with Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler and his caddie Ted Scott. Tensions were heightened after Rose asked DeChambeau’s caddie to move before making a putt. As the players began making their way to the 16th hole, cameras picked up the fiery exchange between the two sides, as DeChambeau and Fleetwood had words. Scheffler’s caddie Scott also confronted European vice-captain Francesco Molinari as ugly scenes unfolded.
“I was waiting to putt. The boys were obviously working on their read, obviously going on with their calculations and bits and pieces,” Rose explained. "So I waited a few seconds, and then I felt like they came up again. I questioned — it’s my putt, right? Or however I said it, maybe I didn’t say it as politely as I could have said it in the moment but by no means was there any disrespect or anything like that, but obviously it was taken the wrong way."
Meanwhile, Scott also issued an apology to Molinari after the round: “One of the best men and I’m sorry for our conflict. @chiccogolf shows his kindness continuously. Thank you Fran.”
The envelope rule and Hovland's injury
Team Europe secured victory at Bethpage Black despite Viktor Hovland suffering from a neck injury. The Norwegian withdrew from his singles match on Sunday, prompting the rarely used envelope rule to be enforced. Both sides had agreed before the tournament that an injured player and his opponent would receive half a point, with the name of his pre-determined opponent placed in an envelope. Consequently, Hovland’s injury meant Harris English missed out on a singles match at the Ryder Cup. Fortunately, the outcome had little bearing on the overall result as Europe won by two points.
“The whole situation was pretty upsetting, just the fact that I didn't get to play, and I felt really bad for Harris, who also didn't get to play a match, even though there was nothing wrong with him,” Hovland said. "He just didn't get to play, and he was upset about that, and I feel very bad for not being able to compete."
