Heather McMahan, the host of the Ryder Cup, has issued an apology to Rory McIlroy and resigned from her position following a profane chant directed at the Northern Irish golfer. During Saturday’s four-ball match at Bethpage Black Golf Course, McIlroy faced continuous verbal abuse from the rowdy crowd while playing alongside Shane Lowry.
Efforts were made by event organizers to address the hostile treatment McIlroy was receiving, with messages displayed on the screens reminding spectators to behave appropriately, and police intervening to remove unruly fans.
Despite these measures, comedian McMahan exacerbated the tense atmosphere by actively promoting inappropriate conduct. She was witnessed using a megaphone at the first tee, leading a chant of “F*** you Rory!” which was echoed by spectators in the stands.
Outraged golf enthusiasts took to social media to condemn McMahan for her unprofessional behavior, with one user expressing dismay over the lack of decorum at the Ryder Cup. Another individual called for a different emcee for the first tee ceremony, emphasizing the need for respect in hyping up the crowd.
According to Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter, McMahan apologized to McIlroy for her actions and resigned from her role as the first tee emcee. Initially greeted with disrespectful chants, McIlroy responded by blowing kisses to the crowd near the first tee.
As the day progressed, the light-hearted banter turned sour, with McIlroy facing distractions from hecklers during his match. At one point on the 16th hole, McIlroy halted his swing and confronted a fan who was shouting offensive remarks.
In a post-match interview, McIlroy acknowledged the expected taunting but highlighted the importance of being able to focus on his shots without undue disruptions. He emphasized the need for mutual respect between players and fans, especially during critical moments in the game.
When questioned about the behavior of rival fans, McIlroy refrained from passing judgment, noting the inherent challenges of playing in an away Ryder Cup. He commended his team for overcoming the adversity they faced during the event.
In other news, Sky has introduced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the Ryder Cup, offering live coverage of all three days of the 2025 competition with extended viewing options.