Incident at Bethpage and McIlroy’s response
Rory McIlroy blasted “unacceptable and abusive behaviour” after an American fan’s thrown drink struck his wife, Erica, on the 17th tee during Saturday’s match at Bethpage Black. He said Erica is fine and praised her composure, while Shane Lowry described the abuse she received as “astonishing.”
Best year capped, but crowd crosses the line
Calling Europe’s 15:13 victory the capstone to his “best year” after completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters and winning the Irish Open, McIlroy noted a hostile atmosphere intensified on Saturday. He admitted snapping back at a heckler but stressed the team largely met the situation with “class and poise.”
Higher standards urged for 2027 in Ireland
Looking to the centenary contest at Adare Manor in 2027, McIlroy said golf “should be held to a higher standard,” citing the sport’s values of etiquette, rules, and respect. He urged fans to support their own players rather than target opponents and vowed that similar abuse “will not be acceptable” in Ireland.
