Ryder Cup host Heather McMahan has reportedly issued an apology to Rory McIlroy and quit her role after leading a vulgar chant about the Northern Irishman. While playing alongside Shane Lowry in the first match of Saturday’s four-balls, McIlroy was subjected to relentless abuse from the raucous crowd at Bethpage Black Golf Course.
Addressing the harsh reception that the 36-year-old received, Ryder Cup organisers reminded spectators on the big screens to uphold a certain level of etiquette as police officers sprung into action to track down and remove unruly fans. Before the morning foursomes kicked off, McMahan did little to calm the disorderly patrons while orchestrating chants. At the first tee, she was heard shouting “F*** you Rory!” into a megaphone as those in the grandstands joined in.
Taking to social media, angry golf fans criticised McMahon for her role in the inappropriate chant. “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 at the @rydercup,” one X user wrote. “This is the state of golf in America, 2025.”
Another vented: “Heard the audio of this. It’s a disgrace if that person is the emcee again on the first tee tomorrow. All for getting the crowd riled up but that’s deplorable.”
According to Sports Business Journal, McMahan has since apologised to McIlroy for her conduct and resigned from her position as the first tee emcee. Upon first being greeted by the “F*** you, Rory” chants, McIlroy responded by blowing kisses towards the crowd.
However, the playful banter took a darker turn as the day wore on. On several occasions during his four-ball match against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young, McIlroy was forced to step back from his shot as spectators hurled obscenities and crude remarks at him.
When the personal attacks escalated on the 16th hole, McIlroy abruptly stopped his swing preparation and shouted “Shut the f*** up” at one fan who had yelled, “Freedom!”
Speaking to reporters, McIlroy maintained that he was largely unbothered by the fans’ behaviour. “I don’t mind them having a go at us. Like, that’s to be expected,” he said.
“I mean, 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. You know, look, in between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine. But just let us — you gave us the respect to let us hit shots, and give us the same chance that the Americans have, I guess.”
When asked whether he believes opposing fans went too far with some of their comments, McIlroy responded: “When you play an away Ryder Cup it’s really, really challenging. It’s not for me to say.
“People can be their own judge whether they took it too far or not. I’m just proud of us for being able to win with what we had to go through.”
