Ryder Cup MC Heather McMahan has stepped down from her position after a video emerged showing her leading foul-mouthed chants of ‘f*** you, Rory’ at Bethpage Black.
Team Europe stormed to a commanding 11.5-4.5 lead over their hosts in hostile conditions on Saturday, with just 2.5 points separating the visitors from a famous victory.
But, at times, the atmosphere turned unsavoury and both Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry made their feelings known after being targeted with relentless abuse from a rowdy New York crowd throughout the drama.
Lowry even had one fan ejected as tempers flared on the second day, while a visibly irate McIlroy was heard saying ‘shut the f*** up’ after a heckler disrupted his shot on the 16th.
The Northern Irishman had earlier refused to take a putt due to persistent jeers, taunts and unpleasant remarks from nearby fans, before regaining his composure to make par on the sixth hole.
‘I want to say, of all the Ryder Cups I’ve done back to 1999, this is the worst crowd behaviour I’ve seen,’ US commentator and ex-professional Jay Townsend said.
Facing the media after Saturday’s action, US captain Keegan Bradley vehemently denied claims that unrest in the crowd was a result of his team’s dismal showing up until that point.
‘The fans are probably upset that their home team is losing,’ he fired back at a reporter in his press conference.
‘I did not say that [the players’ poor performance was to blame for poor behaviour in the crowd].
‘Ryder Cups are wild. I don’t appreciate those words that you just said and I know what you’re trying to do.
‘The Ryder Cup is full of passionate fans, full of passionate players and that [the reporter’s suggestion] wasn’t right.’
But after Bradley’s presser, a short clip began to do the rounds on social media which demonstrated that the ‘passion’ he mentioned had perhaps spilled over into something much more sinister on the second day.
The footage appeared to show Ryder Cup MC McMahan directing US fans to target McIlroy with cries of ‘f*** you, Rory!’ during the tense afternoon fourball against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young.
According to The Mirror, McMahan – who also works as a comedian and an actress – had since decided quit her role with immediate effect, while also issuing a formal apology to McIlroy.
‘This is utterly disgraceful,’ @AndyGJBurge said in response to the video on X before news of McMahan’s departure.
‘Whoever this MC is, she should not be allowed near any PGA event again, let alone the #RyderCup. The PGA’s silence on the matter is sickening.’
WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE
‘This is disgusting. Hey PGA, this lady has a mic in hand and is cheerleading “F-U Rory.”,’ one spectator wrote.
The tournament officials should have immediately ejected her and as many troublemakers as could be identified then restored order,’ another fan replied.
‘His people set this up, and loaded the stands with his cretinous hooligans.’
While the PGA are yet to issue an official response to the video, McIlroy called on those fans in attendance to give Europe ‘the same chance that the Amiercans have’ by giving all players ‘respect’ on the course.
‘I don’t mind them having a go at us, that’s to be expected, that’s what an away Ryder Cup is,’ McIlroy after his round.
‘Whenever they are still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that’s the tough thing.
‘You know, look, in between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine.
‘But just give us the respect to let us hit shots. Give us the same chance that the Americans have.’
Asked whether the US crowd had gone too far, McIlroy replied: It’s not for me to say, people can be their own judge.
‘It’s really, really challenging.’
Europe stand on the verge of a comprehensive win in New York, with the visitors needing just 2.5 points to retain their title on the final day thanks to their imperious 11.5-4.5 lead.
The seven-point advantage represents Europe’s largest lead since entering singles play way back in 1979.
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