McIlroy slams “abusive” US fans after beer hits wife and play halts amid chaos

Rory McIlroy has launched a blistering attack on a section of American spectators at the Ryder Cup, saying police dogs should have been set loose on those responsible for what he called “abusive behaviour.”

The Northern Irishman, who helped Europe secure a dramatic 15–13 victory over the United States at Bethpage Black in Long Island, endured three days of heckling that often crossed well beyond playful sporting banter.

Throughout the tournament, McIlroy was the target of crude personal taunts and attempts to distract him as he prepared to play shots. While Ryder Cups are known for their rowdy atmosphere, this year’s contest tipped into hostility at times, with authorities forced to intervene.

On Saturday, tensions flared when McIlroy’s wife, Erica, was caught up in the commotion after a beer was hurled from the crowd, striking her hat. The incident drew gasps from nearby fans and saw police swiftly increase their presence around the greens. At one point, more than a dozen state troopers were deployed to calm the most vocal supporters, while marshals issued stern warnings to “keep it clean.”

McIlroy admitted he lost his composure at moments, responding to jeers with an obscene gesture and later shouting back at spectators. The delays grew so disruptive that play was repeatedly held up until calm could be restored.

Speaking after Europe’s triumph on Sunday, McIlroy said he had no regrets about confronting the crowd’s behaviour head-on.

“I wish they had let the dogs off the leashes,” he told reporters. “Look, nothing was going to happen – there wasn’t going to be a physical altercation – but there was a lot of language that was unacceptable and abusive behaviour. That’s not something we should just shrug off.”

He stressed that the majority of the 50,000-strong galleries were respectful golf fans, but he refused to downplay the impact of the hostile minority. “It’s not the majority, it’s a small group, but it was enough to cross a line,” he said. “I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf. This is a sport built on respect.”

The Ryder Cup has long been famed for its unique mix of passion and partisanship, with US and European fans alike embracing chants, songs, and heckles that would never be heard at a regular PGA Tour event. But incidents like the beer-throwing incident, and the targeted abuse of McIlroy and his family, reignited the debate about where the line should be drawn between atmosphere and outright intimidation.

Some American fans defended the boisterous Long Island spirit, suggesting the chants were part of the Ryder Cup’s character. But others admitted the conduct had gone too far, with one spectator telling ITV News: “There’s banter, and then there’s crossing into personal attacks. That’s not what golf should be.”

Despite the turbulence, McIlroy played a pivotal role in Europe’s win, helping to fend off a late US comeback and ultimately delivering a performance that reinforced his status as one of the sport’s fiercest competitors.

As the champagne flowed in the European locker room, McIlroy allowed himself a smile – but his post-match comments left no doubt that the controversy of Bethpage Black will linger long after the trophy has been lifted.