Rory McIlroy took action to remove a spectator from the second day of the Ryder Cup following a homophobic insult directed at him. This marked the first time since 2012 that the visiting team clinched the trophy at the event.
During a tense day at Bethpage Black, Europe faced a strong comeback from the United States, with notable wins from Cameron Young, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and JJ Spaun. Despite the US team’s efforts, Europe secured a crucial point through Shane Lowry, who managed to tie his match with Russell Henley, ensuring the retention of the Ryder Cup with a final 15-13 victory.
McIlroy, who had been present in all five sessions, struggled in his singles match against world No. 1 Scheffler. Battling exhaustion and facing hostility throughout the event, McIlroy ultimately succumbed to Scheffler.
A supporter crossed the line with a derogatory comment towards McIlroy, prompting the golfer to swiftly involve security. McIlroy emphasized the need for higher standards of behavior in golf, stating that disrespectful conduct should not be tolerated in the Ryder Cup or any golf event.
Despite facing a hostile crowd, McIlroy remained resolute in his stance against inappropriate behavior in the sport. He called for respect and unity among golf fans, highlighting the need to maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere in golf tournaments.
McIlroy encountered continuous jeers from the crowd, even during his shots, with fellow players like Justin Thomas intervening to quieten disruptive spectators. State troopers were brought in to help maintain order amidst the unruly behavior displayed by some attendees.