The PGA of America has apologised after a female master of ceremonies at the Ryder Cup was recorded leading a chant of “Fuck you Rory!” aimed at Rory McIlroy before Saturday morning’s foursomes. The MC, Heather McMahan, was removed from Sunday’s proceedings following the incident, which set a rancorous tone for the day’s play.
McIlroy, who had already been subjected to heckling during Friday’s fourball, responded to the chants on the 1st tee by blowing kisses at the crowd. However, tensions escalated when a spectator shouted “Freedom!” as McIlroy prepared to swing on the 16th hole during his foursomes match with Tommy Fleetwood. McIlroy snapped back, “Shut the fuck up!” before hitting his shot to three feet.
Speaking after his round, McIlroy said, “I don’t mind them having a go at us, that’s to be expected, that’s what an away Ryder Cup is. Whenever they are still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that’s the tough thing. Just give us the respect to let us hit shots.” Despite the distractions, McIlroy won his foursomes 3&2 and his fourball 2 up, contributing more points than the entire US team.
The PGA of America remained silent for most of the day before issuing an apology late Saturday evening. The organisation also deployed state police to restore order after the atmosphere around McIlroy’s fourball with Shane Lowry turned particularly hostile. Lowry himself reacted to the crowd by shouting “Fuck you!” after making a putt to win a hole.
