How the crowd targeted McIlroypublished at 09:23 BST
09:23 BST
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‘Give us respect’ – McIlroy swears at fans amid jeering
Rory McIlroy, as Europe’s highest-ranked player, standard-bearer and spokesman, was undoubtedly targeted the most by American fans at Bethpage Black.
McIlroy and playing partner Shane Lowry received crude barbs – related to romantic relationships and their appearance – as well as the home fans ignoring golfing etiquette by shouting out as they were about to hit their ball.
It all came to a head on Saturday, as Europe went about building what proved to be an unassailable seven-point lead.
Lowry had to be restrained from confronting a fan on the 10th tee. McIlroy, who was forced to back away from shots and eventually snapped, swearing at a fan, described the whole experience as a “really challenging day”.
“What I consider crossing the line is personal insults and making sounds when they are trying to hit on their backswings or very close to when they are trying to go into their routines,” said European captain Luke Donald.
“That did happen a little bit. It’s happened at other Ryder Cups.
“It’s something we prepared for and I can see how well [McIlroy and Lowry] have dealt with it.”
The pair eventually sealed a two-hole victory over Cameron Young and Justin Thomas in Saturday’s fourballs to push Europe towards their ultimate goal.
