Rory McIlroy emphasized the importance of respecting family members and denounced the verbal abuse directed at his wife, Erica, following the recent Ryder Cup. The golf star expressed his intention to address Irish fans at Adare Manor in 2027 about the unacceptable behavior witnessed during the event.
During the tournament, American Stoll, Rory’s wife, faced harassment and even had a plastic beer glass thrown at her while supporting her husband at Bethpage Black. McIlroy, frustrated by the situation, jokingly remarked that he wished the security dogs had been unleashed to handle the unruly behavior.
Despite being a prime target for American fans throughout the weekend, McIlroy managed to secure 3.5 points for Europe before ultimately succumbing to fatigue in a singles match against Scottie Scheffler. The golfer expressed his disappointment over the derogatory treatment his family received, stressing that such behavior should be off-limits.
Shane Lowry, McIlroy’s playing partner, commended Erica for her resilience in the face of relentless abuse from spectators. McIlroy himself had to confront hecklers on the course, urging them to refrain from disrupting his game with inappropriate language.
Reflecting on the incidents, McIlroy emphasized that golf should uphold higher standards of sportsmanship and etiquette. He acknowledged that while the majority of spectators were respectful, a minority engaged in unacceptable behavior that tarnished the spirit of the Ryder Cup.
Looking ahead to future events, McIlroy vowed to address the issue with Irish fans in 2027, emphasizing the importance of supporting teams without resorting to disrespectful conduct. Despite the challenges faced during the tournament, McIlroy took pride in his team’s performance and maintained a sense of dignity throughout the ordeal.
When asked about a potential return to New York for another Ryder Cup, McIlroy humorously indicated his willingness, provided the outcome mirrored the success of the recent event.