McIlroy Refuses to Putt as Rowdy Ryder Cup Crowd Disrupts Play

Rory McIlroy refused to putt until the rowdy crowd at Bethpage Black quieted during Saturday's Ryder Cup four-balls, a moment that underscored growing tension as the event approached its decisive stages. The incident occurred on the sixth hole in the afternoon session, when the Northern Irishman signaled to a referee that he would not proceed with the line until the crowd settled. The moment came after a string of jeers as he examined the putt, prompting his partner Shane Lowry to step in and help calm him as the gallery noise intensified.

The disturbance carried on as boos rose again with McIlroy over another putt attempt, and officials described the atmosphere as unusually charged for a Ryder Cup scene at Bethpage. Justin Thomas reportedly had to intervene as the crowd's volume persisted, according to Sports Illustrated. NBC's broadcast noted that extra security and uniformed police had been deployed in the vicinity of McIlroy's group. Sky Sports later reported that some American fans were ejected from the grounds amid the escalation.

The moment reflected an ongoing subplot of the event: McIlroy and other European players facing spirited in-bore chants from the American crowd. Lowry also endured taunts — a nickname incident following a previous round — as the teams pressed through the afternoon session. Golf Digest's Joel Beall later wrote that McIlroy was upset with security for not monitoring the crowd and, in a social post, described the barrage of language directed at him and his family. The report painted a picture of a course growing tenser as the round wore on, with officials told to monitor crowds more closely.

McIlroy later acknowledged during the morning session that away Ryder Cups bring a rough atmosphere, but he urged that his group be allowed to hit shots with the same respect the Americans receive, stressing the need for balance between spirited support and fair play. He and Lowry will carry the incident into the weekend as officials assess how to balance safety, fan engagement and competitive focus.

As the weekend unfolds, the tour will continue to monitor crowd dynamics and safety protocols while players attempt to maintain rhythm in a high-stakes team competition.