Featured Image Credit: Vaughn Ridley / Contributor via Getty
Topics: Golf, Rory Mcilroy, Ryder Cup
James Taylor
Topics: Golf, Rory Mcilroy, Ryder Cup
Rory McIlroy was brutally mocked by an American fan at the Ryder Cup and his reaction was quickly spotted.
The Northern Irishman arrives in New York as one of the Team Europe's most experienced players, helping to guide them to a famous win.
Having played in every Ryder Cup since 2010, McIlory has experienced both the highs and lows of the prestigious competition. He played a key role in the 'Miracle at Medinah' comeback in 2012, but also suffered losses at Hazeltine in 2016 and Whistling Straits in 2021.
Ahead of this year's competition, the 36-year-old admitted he has sometimes struggled with how to engage with partisan American crowds. He revealed that in the past he has gone too far in reacting to hecklers, while sometimes he needed to engage with them.
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But during Thursday's practice round, McIlroy found himself once again the target of an American heckler.
In a video that went viral online, McIlroy can be seen attempting to undo the top button of his polo shirt. At that moment, an American fan shouted: "You don't need a button to choke Rory."
But McIlroy and his European teammates saw the funny side to the story, as he laughed and nodded away. It marked a stark contrast to previous incidents, most notably at Hazeltine in 2016.
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Back then, McIlroy became embroiled in tense disputes with supporters, even requesting that one fan was ejected after allegedly verbally abusing him.
McIlroy added: "It's a tough environment but we expect that. There have been some boundaries crossed. I let it get to me a couple of times which I probably shouldn't have.
"You have to keep your concentration out there and it's been a long day and sometimes emotions run high."
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Tensions also boiled over at the last Ryder Cup in Rome. At the end of the second day, Patrick Cantlay's caddie Joe LaCava was celebrating Cantlay's putt on the green.
But he refused to move out of McIlroy's way, and even started to wave his cap.
McIlroy missed a crucial putt and several European players found themselves in a tense exchange with LaCava.
McIlroy even had to be bundled into a car by Shane Lowry in a remarkable incident.
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The five-time major winner will hope to have a better handle on his emotions this weekend.
But with Europe seeking just their fifth ever victory on American soil, tensions will undoubtedly build.