Heather McMahan, the host of the Ryder Cup, has issued an apology to Rory McIlroy and resigned from her position after leading a profane chant targeting the Northern Irish golfer. McIlroy, alongside Shane Lowry, faced relentless abuse from the rowdy crowd at Bethpage Black Golf Course during Saturday’s four-ball match.
Organizers intervened to address the hostile treatment McIlroy received, displaying messages on screens urging spectators to maintain decorum while security removed disruptive fans. However, before the morning foursomes began, comedian McMahan exacerbated the unruly atmosphere by actively endorsing inappropriate behavior. She was spotted at the first tee using a megaphone to lead a chant of “F*** you Rory!” as the audience in the stands joined in.
Following the incident, outraged golf enthusiasts took to social media to criticize McMahan for her unprofessional conduct. One user expressed dismay at a PGA-paid individual leading such a chant, deeming it a reflection of the state of golf in America. Another called for a replacement for the first tee emcee role to avoid similar incidents in the future.
According to Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter, McMahan personally apologized to McIlroy for her actions and voluntarily stepped down from her position as the first tee emcee. Despite initially responding to the crowd with blown kisses, McIlroy faced increased hostility during his subsequent matches, with hecklers disrupting his shots with profanities and vulgar remarks.
The situation escalated on the 16th hole when McIlroy halted his swing to rebuke a fan shouting personal attacks. In a statement to the media, McIlroy acknowledged the expected banter from fans but emphasized the importance of respect when players are preparing to hit shots.
When asked about the behavior of rival fans, McIlroy refrained from passing judgment, noting the challenges of playing in an away Ryder Cup. He commended his team for overcoming the adversity they faced during the tournament.
Sky has announced a discount on its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in anticipation of the Ryder Cup, offering live coverage of all three days of the 2025 competition with extended programming.
