Police called in as Ryder Cup gets ugly on shameful day at Bethpage

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry show they’re not prepared to ignore heckling that crosses the line.

The Ryder Cup is always noisy, but this week at Bethpage Black the atmosphere has been even more intense than usual. US fans have been loud, and at times over the line. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have both shown they’re not afraid to give a little back.

On Friday afternoon, it was clear that the European pair were not prepared to ignore the heckling from the galleries. McIlroy was caught on camera raising a finger toward fans after he and Lowry went two up on Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns. Lowry joined in too, responding with his own gesture.

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Things escalated further on Saturday. While preparing to hit a shot on the 16th hole, McIlroy was interrupted by crowd noise. He turned, shouted “guys, shut the f*** up,” and then calmly struck an approach shot to within a few feet of the pin.

At one point, McIlroy refused to play until the crowd had quietened down, he could be seen saying “I’m not going to putt until they shut up.” He was then forced to walk away from the ball when the noise increased once again.

Reports also say that McIlroy spoke to an official after a fan shouted something particularly inappropriate, and Sky Sports suggested that a small number of spectators have been removed from the course already.

Lowry also reacted during his matches, letting out an angry shout after sinking a putt. Some of the crowd have been mocking him by calling him ‘Tellytubby,’ which he has tried to laugh off, but it shows the type of atmosphere he, McIlroy, and the rest of the European team are dealing with. He later had to be held back from approaching the crowd on the 10th tee before asking security to intervene.

On Saturday afternoon, a shout of ‘grandpa’ was heard as Justin Rose approached his shot into the green on the 12th hole, 192-yards out. He stuck it to within a few feet of the pin before gesturing towards the crowd in response.

Just a few holes later, the atmosphere became even more tense as DeChambeau’s caddie, Greg Bodine, appeared to approach the line of Rose’s putt as he was lining up. Rose motioned to him and asked him to move out of the way, before holing the putt. The commotion then continued with involvement from the caddies as the players walked to the next tee.

News Editor Alex Perry followed McIlroy and Lowry on Saturday afternoon, reporting a grim atmosphere out on the course. Even Justin Thomas has taken to attempting to quieten the crowds.

After this behaviour, a fan throwing beer towards Rory and wife Erica, I’m not surprised she chose to leave the course.

There have, however, been lighter moments. Earlier in the week, a fan jibed McIlroy while he played with his shirt button. Both he and Lowry laughed at the joke, showing they can take some of the banter in good humour – when it stays within limits.

Speaking to the press after the morning foursomes match, McIlroy explained his position. He said he expects away crowds to be loud, and he accepts that fans will try to put him off. But he drew a clear line: he is fine with the noise between shots, but he wants silence and respect while he is actually playing the ball.

“I don’t mind them having a go at us. That’s to be expected. I mean, that’s what an away Ryder Cup is. Whenever they are still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that’s the tough thing.

“In between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine.

“All I’m asking for is a fair game,” he said, pointing out that American players get the same courtesy when they compete in Europe.

The Ryder Cup is known for its passionate crowds and lively atmosphere, and Bethpage has certainly lived up to that reputation. But this week has shown how quickly things can spill over.

McIlroy and Lowry have made it clear they are not willing to stay silent when the line is crossed, and it appears tournament organizers are backing them.

As Saturday’s fourball matches reached the turn, US fans were heard booing at the scoreboards flashing up with ‘spectator etiquette reminders’, and warned that anyone breaching the rules would be removed.

The PGA of America later released a statement about increased security, and once again reminded spectators that they have measure in place for anyone displaying unsavoury behaviour.

“We have added security and State Police to Match No. 1 as well as the other three matches in today’s afternoon four-balls. Additionally, the frequency of fan behavior messaging on video boards across the golf course has increased. We will continue to closely monitor fan behavior and take appropriate action.”

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