McIlroy Refuses to Play Amid Abusive Spectator Outcry at Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy refused to play a Ryder Cup shot after the American crowd hurled abusive insults toward him and his wife, Erica Stoll, prompting a delay. He stepped away from his putt twice at the sixth hole and waited about four minutes for the atmosphere to calm.

The moment came as McIlroy and Shane Lowry were in a Saturday afternoon fourballs match against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young, with Europe building a commanding lead at Bethpage Black. Team Europe entered the final day with an 11.5-4.5 advantage and needed three points to clinch the win. Security was stepped up and big screens reminded fans to keep behavior within acceptable standards.

New footage emerged showing the crowd practicing a vulgar chant aimed at McIlroy on the first tee, led by the event emcee. McIlroy blew kisses back at the crowd while the insults also targeted his wife, who was referred to with a profane slur. Lighter insults included claims that McIlroy was "playing like a wet fart" and that he was a choker.

Earlier in the day, before the shot delay, McIlroy snapped at spectators, telling them to "shut the f*** up" during his foursomes victory with Tommy Fleetwood after an interruption to his swing at the 16th. The pair went on to win their match 3&2 over Collin Morikawa and Harris English, extending their undefeated record together in Ryder Cup foursomes and echoing the successful partnership they formed in Team Europe’s 2023 win.

The day’s play left Europe with a record 11.5-4.5 lead heading into the final day. Captain Luke Donald said the atmosphere was loud and raucous, but stressed that personal insults and disruptions to a player's routine cross a line.

Ryder Cup emcee Heather McMahan reportedly stepped away from her role and issued an apology to McIlroy, the Sports Business Journal reported.

Speaking after play, McIlroy acknowledged that away-game banter is to be expected, but urged fans to respect players’ ability to hit their shots. "I don't mind them having a go at us; that's what an away Ryder Cup is. When they are still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that's the tough thing. In between shots, say whatever you want to me. But just give us the respect to let us hit shots and give us the same chance that the Americans have."