The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black had barely begun before American fans set the tone with their trademark hostility – and Rory McIlroy was first in the firing line.
Before Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton could even strike the opening tee shot against Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas, chants of “F— you, Rory” rang out from the stands, directed at Europe’s talisman.
Despite being one of the most popular international golfers in the U.S. – thanks in part to his outspoken opposition to LIV Golf – McIlroy was subjected to jeers the moment his face appeared on the giant screens around the course.
The Northern Irishman, paired with Tommy Fleetwood in the morning foursomes against Collin Morikawa and Harris English, appeared unfazed as he brushed off the abuse. Other European stars weren’t spared either: Ludvig Åberg was mocked with shouts of “tuck your shirt in,” while Rahm endured chants of “fat boy” after an errant drive.
The hostile reception was not unexpected. Captain Luke Donald had even prepared his European squad for the New York atmosphere by having players use VR headsets to simulate jeering crowds in practice.
Speaking before the matches, McIlroy acknowledged the challenge but insisted he was ready for it.
“We’re playing in an environment that we’re not really used to,” he said. “I’m very lucky – I get a lot of support pretty much everywhere I play. This week is going to feel a little different, but that’s totally understandable.”
Despite the taunts, McIlroy expressed his enduring fondness for life in America, where he lives with his wife Erica Stoll and their young daughter.
“It’s the land of opportunity. I still believe it’s the best country in the world. If you come here, work hard and dedicate yourself, you can be or do whatever you want. I’m unbelievably grateful that I had the chance to come here early in my career. My wife is American, my daughter is American – I have a lot of affinity towards this country.”
With McIlroy leading from the front, Team Europe will now look to turn early hostility into motivation as the battle for the Ryder Cup heats up.
