McMahan, who was tasked with hyping up the raucous New York crowd ahead of Saturday’s matches, was caught on video leading a vulgar chant aimed directly at McIlroy before the morning foursomes. She shouted “F— you Rory!” into a megaphone, which was quickly echoed by sections of the grandstands. Parents and children were present at the time, sparking outrage from fans and pundits across social media.
One X user wrote: “Someone on the payroll of the PGA, who was paid to lead the crowd in chants, led them in a ‘F— you, Rory’ this morning as parents sat in the stands with their kids. This is the state of golf in America, 2025.”
Others labeled the moment “a disgrace” and called for McMahan to be removed from her duties.
According to Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter, McMahan privately apologized to McIlroy and stepped down from her position as emcee.
Despite the heckling, McIlroy initially responded with humor. He turned toward the grandstand, smiling and blowing kisses. However, as the day went on, the atmosphere grew increasingly hostile. During his four-ball match with Shane Lowry against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young, McIlroy was forced several times to step away from his shots due to hecklers shouting profanities.
On the 16th hole, one fan yelled “Freedom!” mid-swing, prompting McIlroy to snap back with, “Shut the f— up.”
After the match, McIlroy admitted he expects tough treatment in an away Ryder Cup, but emphasized the need for basic respect.
“I don’t mind them having a go at us — that’s to be expected. But when they’re doing it while you’re over the ball, that’s the tough thing. Say whatever you want to me between shots, that’s fine. Just give us the respect to hit shots, the same chance that the Americans have.”
The episode adds another layer to what has already been one of the most fiery Ryder Cups in recent memory. While McMahan’s resignation draws a line under one aspect of the controversy, questions remain over crowd control and the limits of fan involvement in golf’s most intense competition.
