Donald Trump sent a text message to Rory McIlroy after Team Europe celebrated their Ryder Cup victory by mocking the former U.S. President.
McIlroy recorded footage of Team Europe chanting, ‘Are you watching Donald Trump?’ as Team USA fell short of completing a remarkable comeback on the final day. Europe regained the Ryder Cup after claiming the previous tournament in Rome, with Shane Lowry sinking one of the most crucial putts of his career before golf legend Tom Watson declared himself “ashamed” of what he saw.
Trump replied to McIlroy’s footage and praised Team Europe despite being the target of their ridicule. Nevertheless, Team Europe captain Luke Donald later disclosed that Trump had sent a personal text to McIlroy. Meanwhile, Keegan Bradley’s rule change demand was brutally laughed at by Team Europe.
“We were just in our dressing room at the end… after our press conference, just having a moment together with the team, and Rory was there,” Donald told BBC Sport. “He got a text from the president while we were in there.”
“So, he read it out and we thought, just for a little bit of banter, we will send a video of the chant that was going around that Ryder Cup. I’m glad he liked it, and I’m glad he enjoyed it.”
Trump made an appearance on the opening day of the Ryder Cup, showing up for the afternoon session after Team Europe had seized an early 3-1 advantage. His arrival failed to inspire an immediate comeback, and Trump was absent for the rest of the tournament.
Team Europe held a commanding 12-5 advantage heading into Sunday’s singles matches, but Team USA fought valiantly in the final round, ultimately falling just short in a 15-13 defeat.
While the Americans managed to salvage some dignity, Team Europe celebrated capturing the Ryder Cup, prompting Trump to address McIlroy’s earlier criticism. “Yes, I’m watching. Congratulations,” the former President posted.
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Team Europe was thrilled to maintain their lead after a turbulent week that saw U.S. spectators face condemnation for their hostile conduct, especially targeting McIlroy.
“I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week,” McIlroy declared following Sunday’s triumph.
“Golf has the ability to unite people. … It teaches you how to respect people. Sometimes this week, we didn’t see that. So, no, this should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup.”
Animosity intensified throughout the weekend, but reached a boiling point when a spectator hurled a beverage at McIlroy’s spouse, Erica Stoll.
“The police out there and the amount of security presence was insane,” McIlroy continued.
“Look, nothing was going to happen. There wasn’t going to be a physical altercation or anything like that… There was a lot of language that was unacceptable and abusive behavior.”
McIlroy and Lowry formed a partnership during Saturday’s action and weathered the hostility together, though they felt vindicated in the end.
“I chirped back a few times because it got to me a few times,” McIlroy admitted. “But we tried to handle everything that came our way with class and poise, and for the most part, I felt like we did that. It was a rough week for all of us, but at the same time, we shut them up by our performance.”
