Rory McIlroy expressed strong disapproval of the verbal harassment directed at his family members and gave a heartfelt acknowledgment to his wife Erica following the Ryder Cup event. The professional golfer emphasized that such behavior should not be tolerated, and he intends to address the issue with Irish fans at Adare Manor in 2027 to make it clear that the conduct witnessed during the recent competition was unacceptable.
During the tournament, American Stoll, Rory McIlroy’s wife, faced persistent heckling and even had a plastic beer glass thrown at her while supporting her husband at Bethpage Black. The situation escalated to the point where additional police and security measures, including police dogs, had to be deployed. McIlroy humorously remarked that he wished the dogs had been let off the leashes to deter the unruly behavior.
As the world’s second-ranked golfer and a prominent European player, McIlroy was a frequent target of American fans throughout the weekend, often experiencing disruptions during his plays. Despite the challenges, he managed to contribute 3.5 points to Europe’s triumph before succumbing to fatigue in a singles match against Scottie Scheffler.
McIlroy, accompanied by his father Gerry at the event, was particularly disturbed by the disrespectful treatment towards his family. He stressed that such behavior should be considered off-limits, commending Erica for her grace and resilience in handling the adversity. The golfer, who had previously announced a divorce from Erica before reconciling, expressed his love for her and looked forward to celebrating their bond.
His playing partner Shane Lowry also condemned the abuse directed at Erica, highlighting her unwavering support for McIlroy and the European team amidst the challenging circumstances. The incident led to the ejection of a disruptive fan, showcasing the team’s stance against inappropriate behavior.
In response to the incidents during the Ryder Cup, McIlroy emphasized the need for golf to uphold higher standards of conduct, citing the sport’s capacity to unite people and teach valuable life lessons. While acknowledging that the majority of spectators were respectful, he condemned the minority whose actions deviated from the spirit of the game.
Looking ahead, McIlroy affirmed the importance of maintaining decorum in future events, signaling a zero-tolerance approach towards misconduct. Despite the challenges faced during the tournament, he expressed pride in how the team handled the situation with dignity and class.
When asked about the prospect of playing another Ryder Cup in New York, McIlroy humorously replied that he would gladly do so if the outcome mirrored the recent success.