Rory McIlroy emphasized the need to refrain from verbally abusing family members, particularly highlighting his wife Erica, in the aftermath of the Ryder Cup. The esteemed golfer expressed his intention to address Irish fans at Adare Manor in 2027 to underscore that the behavior witnessed during the recent event was unacceptable.
During a regrettable Saturday session at Bethpage Black, American Stoll encountered repeated heckling and even had a plastic beer glass thrown at her while supporting her husband. This led to heightened security measures, including the deployment of additional police and security dogs. McIlroy, somewhat humorously, remarked that he wished the security dogs had been unleashed.
As the highest-ranked European player, McIlroy faced continuous taunting from American fans throughout the tournament. Despite the challenges, he contributed significantly to Europe’s victorious away performance. However, McIlroy was particularly perturbed by the abuse directed at his family, stressing that such behavior should never be tolerated.
Acknowledging the overwhelming support his wife received, McIlroy’s playing partner Shane Lowry commended Erica for her unwavering backing amidst the adversity. Lowry even had a fan removed for inappropriate behavior during the event.
While McIlroy demonstrated resilience on the course, he condemned the unacceptable language and behavior witnessed, emphasizing that golf should uphold a higher standard. Reflecting on the incidents, he expressed a desire for fans to support their teams respectfully, emphasizing the importance of etiquette and fair play in golf.
Looking ahead, McIlroy asserted that the conduct witnessed at the Ryder Cup should not be normalized, and steps would be taken to address such behavior in future events. Despite the challenges faced, McIlroy found satisfaction in his performance and the team’s response to the adversity encountered during the tournament.
When asked about the possibility of playing another Ryder Cup in New York, McIlroy humorously replied that he would be content to do so if the outcome mirrored the recent success.
