Rory McIlroy tells Ryder Cup fans to 'shut the f*** up' during heated on-course moment at Bethpage

Bethpage Black, New York — Rory McIlroy told American Ryder Cup fans to 'shut the f*** up' on Saturday as he prepared to hit a shot on the 16th fairway, a moment that underscored the charged atmosphere at the Ryder Cup.

The disturbance came as several fans shouted from the nearby stands, with one spectator seemingly shouting 'freedom' before another joined in. McIlroy paused over the ball, turned toward the crowd and delivered the blunt remark, then stepped back to regroup as cheers and jeers rippled through the gallery.

The incident followed a week of high emotion for McIlroy at Bethpage, where the weathered course and a partisan New York crowd have amplified the intensity of the event. On Friday, McIlroy appeared to extend a middle finger toward fans during the tournament’s opening day as he and Shane Lowry faced elated and vociferous support for the American side while being heckled in their matches. Earlier that day, he and Lowry were targeted repeatedly as they tried to execute their game plan amid the noise.

The dismissal of the crowd came after McIlroy had already shifted gears from a friendlier approach to a more combative stance, a pattern that has become familiar in recent Ryder Cup showdowns. On Saturday, after being introduced for his foursomes match with Tommy Fleetwood, he was met by a loud chorus of 'F*** you, Rory' from the crowd. McIlroy briefly blew a kiss to the main stands, then focused on the business at hand as the round progressed. The contrast between moments of levity and flare-ups has characterized his presence at this Ryder Cup, echoing a broader narrative of rivalries and emotions that often accompany the event.

Two years ago in Rome, tensions between McIlroy and Joe LaCava, Cantlay’s caddie, spilled into the car park when LaCava celebrated in front of him as he prepared for a crucial putt. McIlroy was heard shouting that the moment could not happen, signaling how such confrontations have lingered in the minds of players and fans alike as the Ryder Cup moves through different venues and pressures. That episode remains part of the broader context of the ongoing rivalry and the sometimes combustible atmosphere surrounding the competition.

As Sunday approaches, Team Europe will look to weather the crowd and regain momentum, while Team USA aims to capitalize on a home-field advantage that has often shaped the rhythm of Ryder Cup play. The dynamic between the players, caddies, and fans at Bethpage Black has been a focal point of coverage, with many outlets documenting the exchanges that have added drama to the competition this year.

Representatives for McIlroy did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and organizers have urged players to maintain focus amid the energy of the event. The Ryder Cup, with its history of intense showdowns and passionate support on both sides, remains a test of nerve as much as skill, and Saturday’s moment is likely to be remembered as one of the defining scenes of this edition.