McIlroy blows kisses to rowdy Ryder Cup crowd as NSFW chants echo at Bethpage

Rory McIlroy faced a rowdy Bethpage Black crowd on Day 2 of the Ryder Cup, greeted by chants of 'F--k You, Rory!' as he prepared to tee off on the first hole. After a Friday gesture that appeared to be a middle-finger salute, he opted for a different approach on Saturday, blowing kisses to the gallery as he walked to the tee. The scene underscored the charged atmosphere surrounding the biennial event and the ongoing American-European rivalry.

McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood carried momentum from the morning session into Saturday, advancing Europe to an early 2-up lead in their opening foursomes against Harris English and Collin Morikawa after trailing briefly. The European duo then returned for the afternoon four-ball, where McIlroy paired with Shane Lowry. The pairing remained competitive, but a key missed putt on the 18th hole helped Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay salvage a late result as Europe and the Americans split the day’s work.

European captain Luke Donald weighed in after Friday’s play, noting that McIlroy has spoken openly about what the Ryder Cup means and the disappointments from past editions, including Wisconsin, and how much he relishes the chance to be part of winning teams abroad. Donald added that McIlroy has made it clear one of his big goals is to win an away Ryder Cup again, a sentiment that has anchored his focus through the weekend.

On Sunday, McIlroy and Fleetwood again found themselves in a prominent position as they opened Day 2 with a 2-up advantage over Harris English and Collin Morikawa after trading holes early. McIlroy sank a lengthy putt on the fifth hole, pumping his fist and scanning the crowd as the energy surrounding the match intensified. The moment highlighted how the day was unfolding in favor of the European side, even as the atmosphere around the course remained frenzied and unpredictable.

As the Ryder Cup slate continued at Bethpage Black, the interplay between crowd energy and high-stakes golf remained a defining feature of the weekend. McIlroy’s leadership on the course has been matched by a willingness to engage with the fans, a blend that has shaped the narrative around Europe’s bid to reclaim a title often decided by a handful of crucial holes. The results from Day 2 left Europe within striking distance, with pivotal matches still to play and the dynamic between players, captains, and spectators continuing to influence momentum through the weekend.