Rory McIlroy has provided a stark and disturbing account of the "horrific" personal abuse he and his European teammates faced from sections of the USA crowd during last year's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
The Worst Atmosphere of His Career
Despite helping Captain Luke Donald's side to a famous victory on American soil, the Masters champion described the three-day competition in New York as the most intense and unpleasant atmosphere he has ever experienced in professional golf. McIlroy stated the 2025 event was "by far" worse than the notoriously hostile reception at Hazeltine in 2016, which he now considers mild in comparison.
Personal Attacks Cross a Line
In a candid interview on the Stick to Football podcast, McIlroy explained that while he can handle direct insults aimed at him, the abuse became unacceptable when it targeted his family. "I heard stuff about my daughter that I couldn't even repeat here, it was horrific," McIlroy revealed. He noted that his wife, Erica, is strong enough to withstand the vitriol, but the nature of some comments crossed a clear line.
The four-time major winner attributed part of the problem to a mob mentality, where a minority of bad actors can poison the entire event. "There are 50,000 people there, all it takes is 500 of those to be bad eggs, and it skews the atmosphere," he lamented. Teammates including Shane Lowry were also singled out for vicious personal insults throughout the week.
Captaincy Future and Looking Ahead to 2027
The fallout from the event continues as discussions turn to the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027. Luke Donald, the victorious captain, is facing calls to remain in post for a third consecutive contest but has admitted he "wrestles with what the upside is" of taking on the role again.
Another potential candidate, European stalwart Justin Rose, has indicated his primary focus remains on playing. The former US Open champion highlighted the immediate commitment required, noting that "the captaincy is not in two years time, it starts in two months", a timeline he has not yet reconciled with his playing ambitions.
The captain for the 2027 contest is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with preparations beginning imminently for the event scheduled for 17-19 September 2027.
