Everything is coming up Europe at the Ryder Cup, but the fans are still playing a starring role for Team USA at Bethpage Black.
Before hitting his shot on the 16th fairway Saturday, McIlroy scolded some of the Long Island fans, saying, “Guys, shut the f–k up,” after the patrons started shouting.
That drew some boos from the crowd, and McIlroy stepped away from his ball to regroup.
“I don’t mind them having a go at us,” McIlroy told reporters at his press conference after the match. “Like, that’s to be expected. That’s what an away Ryder Cup is. Whenever they are still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that’s a tough thing.
“Look, in between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine. But just let us — you gave us the respect to let us hit shots and give us the same chance that the Americans have, I guess.”
It looks like Europe will have the last laugh, though, as it has cruised through the first day and a half of the tournament, appearing on its way to a first away victory at the Ryder Cup since 2012, when the Europeans won at Medinah.
McIlroy, for his part, halved his first match on Saturday while playing with Shane Lowry against Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns. He won both his matches on Friday, with the crowd chanting “F–k you, Rory,” at points during the day.
The Northern Irishman took a friendlier approach on day one, blowing a kiss to fans in the main stand.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
