Rory McIlroy was subjected to vile abuse from fans at the Ryder Cup on Saturday, with his wife Erica Stoll caught in the crossfire when a drink was thrown in her direction
New footage has surfaced showing Rory McIlroy being restrained by a security guard at the Ryder Cup after his wife was struck by a drink that was hurled by a fan. Europe held off a spirited fightback by the USA on the event’s final day to secure a famous 15-13 victory in New York.
However, the tournament was blighted by appalling abuse directed at Europe’s players by sections of the US support. McIlroy especially endured relentless heckling during his fourballs match with Shane Lowry against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young in New York on Saturday.
The European pair were forced to contend with spectators who overstepped the mark frequently, many of whom were more than comfortable hurling offensive remarks during the players’ backswings, while some even fought in the stands.
However, the questionable conduct from those in the crowds persisted after McIlroy’s match concluded. Fresh footage, which emerged on Sunday via Spanish network Movistar, shows a fan throwing a plastic beer container towards McIlroy and his partner, Erica Stoll, near the 17th tee.
The container hit Stoll’s cap and shoulder, leaving her shocked, as she spun around to spot the culprit. McIlroy then wheeled around in fury and was restrained by a Team Europe support staff member who placed his hand across the Masters champion’s chest as he looked to diffuse the situation, reports the Mirror US.
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Shortly afterwards, McIlroy was spotted by the 18th green with his arm round Stoll, who had tears streaming down her cheeks, according to The 42. In an earlier clip that spread across social media, McIlroy was heard asking Stoll if she was ok.
Following just a handful of holes during the match, McIlroy and Lowry lodged a formal complaint with referee Mike Raby regarding spectator behaviour. To their credit, the Irish pair remained steadfast and secured a crucial two-up triumph.
Much of the vitriol thrown at McIlroy centred on his marriage and personal affairs. Yet ever professional, the 36-year-old offered a measured response when questioned about the fans’ behaviour over the weekend.
He said: “You know, when you play an away Ryder Cup, it’s really, really challenging. It’s not for me to say. People can be their own judge of whether they took it too far or not. I’m just proud of us for being able to win today with what we had to go through.”
Golf Channel on-course reporter Johnson Wagner delivered a more decisive assessment of what he witnessed. “Everyone in our group was horrified by the things being said to Rory,” he said.
“I feel it is going too far. I don’t want the Ryder Cup to set a precedent and think this is OK.” The PGA of America’s designated presenter, Heather McMahan, failed to improve matters.
She encouraged chants of “F**k you, Rory,” before play commenced at the first tee. Later that day, she resigned from her position.
“Heather McMahan has extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup,” the PGA said in a statement.
Team Europe ultimately had the last laugh. Luke Donald’s side won each of the first four sessions to take a strong 11.5-4.5 advantage into the final day at Bethpage Black.
However, Keegan Bradley’s team threatened to pull off the biggest shock in Ryder Cup history. Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton then wrestled points from the grasp of the US to cement a victory for the ages.
