after enduring repeated heckling from spectators at Bethpage Black.
The European duo, who went out first in Saturday’s afternoon matches, had already helped their side build a commanding 8.5-3.5 lead earlier in the day. McIlroy, fresh off a 3&2 morning victory alongside Tommy Fleetwood, found himself once again targeted by fans. The Northern Irishman had already clashed with the crowd earlier, telling them to “shut the f— up” on the 16th hole.
By the afternoon, tensions only escalated. Fans hurled insults at McIlroy, including personal remarks about his marriage. On the third tee, Lowry snapped back with an expletive, while McIlroy was forced to back off a putt on the fourth green after a spectator screamed abuse. Both men spoke at length with Raby during play as the situation worsened.
Justin Thomas attempted to calm the crowd during the match, while McIlroy’s ex-SAS bodyguard and even local police intervened when fans crossed the line. Still, the jeers continued, with McIlroy repeatedly delaying putts amid the heckling and boos.
Afterwards, McIlroy admitted he expects hostility in an away Ryder Cup but stressed that abuse during shots crosses the line:
“I don’t mind if people have a go at us between shots – that’s part of it. But when we’re over the ball, we deserve the same respect as the Americans. Just let us hit our shots.”
