Golf superstar Rory McIlroy has broken his silence on the shocking and deeply personal abuse his family faced during last year's Ryder Cup, revealing that even his five-year-old daughter, Poppy, was targeted by hostile fans.
'Mob Mentality' at Bethpage Black
The four-time major champion described the atmosphere at New York's Bethpage Black as "by far" the worst crowd experience of his career. McIlroy detailed how the frenzy escalated during Europe's historic victory, which saw Luke Donald's team win the first four sessions away from home. The situation became so intense that police dogs were deployed on the course during the frenzied Saturday afternoon.
Speaking on The Overlap podcast, McIlroy stated that while he can tolerate personal insults, the vitriol directed at his family crossed a line. "I heard stuff about my daughter (Poppy) that I couldn't even repeat here. It's horrific," he confessed. He attributed the behaviour to a troubling societal trend, calling it a "mob mentality where people see other people doing something and then they think it's okay."
Criticism of US Captain's Silence
McIlroy placed specific responsibility on the shoulders of US team captain Keegan Bradley, suggesting he failed to use his platform to quell the abuse. While acknowledging that some American players did speak up, McIlroy argued that Bradley held the greatest influence.
"Keegan had the biggest platform of the week in being the captain," McIlroy said. "I feel like he could have said something on that Friday or Saturday night, and he didn't." This lack of intervention, in McIlroy's view, allowed the toxic environment to fester unchecked.
Broader Golf Landscape and LIV's Future
The interview, which took place as the new golf season approaches, also covered the ongoing schism in professional golf. The recent news of Brooks Koepka's departure from LIV Golf has reignited discussions about the Saudi-backed tour's future and potential player returns to the PGA Tour.
McIlroy, a long-time critic of LIV, adopted a more conciliatory tone regarding players like Bryson DeChambeau potentially returning. "If it made the overall tour stronger to have Bryson back and whoever else, I would be OK with it," he stated, noting they had "paid their consequences in terms of their reputation."
However, he questioned LIV's long-term viability, suggesting its failure to capture the public's imagination and provide a financial return for its backers could spell its end. "I don't know how much longer they can keep it going," McIlroy concluded, emphasising that the sport's relevance depends on the best players competing together more frequently.
