Rory McIlory was involved in a foul-mouthed exchange with a Ryder Cup fan – having told them to “shut the f*** up”. The Europe star had endured a terrific morning in the foursomes, having put together a brilliant performance alongside Tommy Fleetwood.
The USA threatened a late comeback in the closing holes – and it looked like the pressure was getting to McIlroy. While on the 16th hole, a fan appeared to shout from the crowd ‘freedom’ as McIlroy prepared to take his swing. He was then forced to stop before telling the supporter to “shut the f*** up”.
In the end, it didn’t matter too much as McIlroy and Fleetwood enjoyed an excellent end to the round, securing a point for Team Europe. The pair will be in action once more as attention turns to Saturday’s fourballs session.
McIlroy and Fleetwood’s point helped leave Europe 8 ½ to 3 ½ up heading into the afternoon fourballs. Immediately after McIlroy and Fleetwood’s success, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton then followed suit with a victory of their own.
When Fleetwood was asked why he and McIlroy enjoy so much success in foursomes, Fleetwood said: “It’s Rory McIlroy first. I can play from a lot of the places where he hits it.
“We loved getting the chance to play together in Rome. Our games match really nicely, we’re really close off the course. Like Rory has said, our families so really close. I’m just the lucky one that gets to play alongside Rory McIlroy in the foursomes so I’ll take that any day.”
McIlroy added: “Yeah, you have to just focus on the task at hand. In the team format, foresomes, fourballs, you can stick together with your partner and it makes it a little bit easier.
“Like Tommy said, the feeling is absolutely mutual. It’s an absolute pleasure to play alongside him and we had a great time in Rome and we’ve been able to back that up with two great wins here. Excited with where our team is and we have to keep our foot down.”
McIlroy also reacted after he told the gallery to “shut the f*** up”, as he explained: “You know, look, in between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine…. Whenever they are still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that’s the tough thing.”
Former Ryder Cup star Oliver Wilson said: “It shows that even those two, the quality of golf they’ve played so far, nerves still affect anybody.
“And they’ve played faultless golf all the way round. A couple of little chinks down the stretch. Rory has just been brilliant this week.”
