Heather McMahan, the host of the Ryder Cup, has issued an apology to Rory McIlroy and resigned from her position following an incident where she led a profane chant against the Northern Irish golfer. McIlroy faced a barrage of abuse from the rowdy crowd at Bethpage Black Golf Course while playing alongside Shane Lowry during the opening four-ball match on Saturday.
In response to the hostile reception towards McIlroy, event organizers intervened by displaying messages on the large screens reminding spectators of appropriate behavior, and law enforcement took action by ejecting disruptive fans.
Despite these efforts, comedian McMahan exacerbated the unruly atmosphere by actively promoting inappropriate conduct before the morning foursomes commenced. She was observed using a megaphone at the first tee, shouting “F*** you Rory!” while the audience in the stands joined in.
Outraged golf enthusiasts took to social media to criticize McMahon for instigating the unprofessional chant, with one user expressing dismay at the behavior displayed by a PGA-affiliated individual leading derogatory chants at the Ryder Cup event.
According to reports from the Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter, McMahan has since apologized to McIlroy for her actions and stepped down from her role as the first tee emcee.
Following initial chants of “F*** you, Rory,” McIlroy responded by blowing kisses to the crowd behind the first tee. However, the lighthearted banter took a darker turn as hecklers disrupted McIlroy’s play during the four-ball match against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young, causing him to pause his swing preparation and confront a fan who shouted profanities.
McIlroy, when asked about the treatment from fans, acknowledged the expected banter but emphasized the need for respect during crucial moments of play. He highlighted the challenges of competing in an away Ryder Cup and called for fair treatment comparable to what American players receive.
When questioned about whether the behavior of rival fans crossed a line, McIlroy refrained from passing judgment and commended his team for their ability to triumph despite the adversities faced.
As the Ryder Cup approaches, Sky has introduced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, offering comprehensive coverage of the 2025 tournament over all three days.