FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Ever since Bethpage Black was chosen in 2013 to host this year`s Ryder Cup, anticipation grew that it would be an unusually boisterous, perhaps even unruly, event.
However, Saturday`s afternoon four-ball match, featuring European stars Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, exceeded these expectations, becoming exceptionally volatile.
Throughout the 18 holes, the European duo faced continuous verbal abuse and taunts, especially during their crucial pre-shot preparations and before putting. As their match against Americans Justin Thomas and Cameron Young advanced – and Europe`s lead against the U.S. widened – the crowd`s hostility intensified, necessitating enhanced security measures and resulting in several fan removals.
On the fourth green, McIlroy was forced to step away from his ball repeatedly due to disruptive shouts from spectators.
`We anticipated this kind of reception coming here; it was an incredibly challenging day,` Lowry commented. `Playing alongside Rory doesn`t simplify things, as he seems to bear the majority of the crowd`s aggression.`
Earlier that Saturday during the foursomes, McIlroy was heckled while preparing for a shot and was heard on television exclaiming, `Shut the f*** up!`
`I don`t object to fans directing comments at us; it`s part of the experience at an away Ryder Cup, and that`s understandable,` McIlroy stated following his morning round. `However, when they continue to do so as you`re poised over the ball, trying to execute a shot, that`s where it becomes truly difficult.`
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense as spectators intensely focused their abuse on McIlroy. The taunts varied from aggressive personal attacks like `F*** you, Rory,` to remarks about his past major defeats at Pinehurst, labeling his recent Masters victory as `a fluke,` and even invading his personal life and marriage. Lowry also endured his portion of insults, which included comments on his weight, perceived lack of contribution to the partnership, and accusations that neither player could `handle the fans.`
`Competing in an away Ryder Cup is incredibly demanding,` McIlroy reflected. `It`s not my place to determine, but individuals can decide for themselves if the crowd`s behavior crossed a line.`
By the ninth hole on Saturday afternoon, approximately 20 New York State Police troopers were positioned along the ropes as players began their shots, while several Bethpage State Park Police officers on bicycles patrolled the spectator areas.
During the 10th hole, following their tee shots, Lowry summoned a state trooper to eject a fan who had hurled an insult at McIlroy just prior to his drive.
The PGA of America issued a statement confirming increased security and state police presence for McIlroy’s match and all other afternoon sessions. They also escalated efforts to display messages on videoboards reminding fans about appropriate conduct.
According to New York State Police spokesman Beau Duffy, two spectators were ultimately ejected.
Despite these heightened security measures, the loud disruptions and taunting persisted. As McIlroy prepared to putt on the 11th green, numerous marshals, rules officials, and even opponents Thomas and Young, raised their arms in an attempt to quiet the grandstand crowd and allow McIlroy to complete his routine undisturbed.
From behind the same green, European player Robert MacIntyre, who was not competing in the afternoon, observed to a European staff member that Justin Thomas, despite previously fueling the crowd`s energy, was now attempting to calm them, seemingly `playing both sides.`
`He`s been f***ing inciting them, and now he`s trying to settle them,` MacIntyre remarked.
McIlroy seemed to suppress his emotions amidst the chaotic environment until an opportune moment arose to retaliate. On the 14th hole, with the match tied, he dramatically sank a birdie putt, retrieved his ball, and unleashed a powerful outburst. He fist-pumped vigorously, gestured defiantly towards the grandstand crowd, bellowing `Come on! Come the f*** on!` multiple times, then held a prolonged stare at the spectators. When Thomas subsequently missed his birdie putt, handing the Europeans their first lead since the ninth hole, McIlroy once more directed a fierce gaze at the crowd and emphatically pointed to the scoreboard.
`It was an exceptionally tough day,` McIlroy confessed. `I`m utterly exhausted… I anticipate a very good night`s sleep.`
Following their 2-up triumph against Thomas and Young on the 18th green, both McIlroy and Lowry shared embraces with their wives and teammates before celebrating with the grandstand audience, which by then was largely populated by enthusiastic European fans.
Regarding the American crowd`s conduct, U.S. captain Keegan Bradley commented, `I saw passion from the fans. Their home team was facing a significant defeat. While I wasn`t present in Rome, I`ve heard accounts of considerable aggression there too. There will always be a few individuals who go too far, which is regrettable… and partly our fault. We haven`t met the performance levels they expect, so their anger is understandable and justified.`
Lowry, nonetheless, characterized Saturday`s experience as unparalleled.
`It was incredibly intense, truly unlike anything I`ve ever encountered,` Lowry stated. `Yet, this is precisely what drives me. This is why I wake up every day – for moments like these. I absolutely love what I do, I cherish being part of this team, and I am fiercely determined for us to win this tournament.`
Rupert Hollis