Rory McIlroy hurls expletive at rowdy Ryder Cup crowd; Europe takes lead

Team USA captain Collin Morikawa said before the opening of the 2025 Ryder Cup that he hoped American golf fans would bring “absolute chaos” to Bethpage Black this weekend. Judging from European captain Rory McIlroy’s expletive-laden outburst Saturday morning, the fans delivered. — Image credit: AP Photo/Robert Bukaty

Summary

Crowd behavior

The atmosphere at Bethpage Black during the 2025 Ryder Cup has been described as unruly, with Team USA captain Collin Morikawa expressing hope for "absolute chaos" from American fans.

European response

European golfers have reacted to the crowd’s conduct in various ways. Rory McIlroy made a one-fingered gesture to the crowd during practice and later told officials and fans to be quiet during his shot — using strong language.

Event security

President Donald Trump was among the estimated 50,000 fans attending the Ryder Cup, necessitating heightened security measures. Increased airport-style security at entrances and the first tee led to long lines and delays, resulting in some fans missing players beginning their rounds.

Full story

Team USA captain Collin Morikawa said before the opening of the 2025 Ryder Cup that he hoped American golf fans would bring “absolute chaos” to Bethpage Black this weekend. Judging from European captain Rory McIlroy’s expletive-laden outburst Saturday morning, the fans delivered.

Team Europe is comfortably leading the Americans in Saturday play. McIlroy and company have an 8.5-to-3.5 lead heading into afternoon play.

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Rowdy crowd

Practice rounds gave the European visitors a taste of what was to come during weekend play. Heckling from the crowd on Friday goaded McIlroy into a one-fingered hand gesture as he walked off of the 11th hole.

On Saturday, McIlroy stepped away from a shot in the rough on the 16th to yell “shut the f–k up” at the rowdy crowd who refused to quiet down for officials. He later said he didn’t mind the crowd jabs but expected the customary silence while he was lining up a shot.

“I mean, that’s what an away Ryder Cup is,” he said. “Whenever they are still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that’s the tough thing.”

Parents pass on event

The expectation of a rambunctious crowd led one European player’s family to skip the event. British golfer Matt Fitzpatrick confirmed on Thursday that his parents wouldn’t make the trip across the pond due to the expectation of abusive fans.

“Obviously I’ll miss them this week for sure, but they are doing what’s best for them, and that’s what’s important,” he said.

Fitzpatrick said his parents saw similar behavior at the 2021 Ryder Cup in Wisconsin’s Whistling Straights course.

Trump shows up

President Donald Trump was among the estimated 50,000 fans to attend the biennial event. His presence required increased security measures that created long lines of fans waiting to enter the course. Airport-style security at the entrances as well as another at the first tee slowed the process to the point where many fans missed golfers teeing off Friday.

Cole Lauterbach

An Illinois native, Cole covers government oversight at Straight Arrow News and has produced print, broadcast and online journalism since his start in radio in 2007.

Why this story matters

The intensity of fan behavior and security at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black highlights how major sporting events can be shaped by crowd dynamics, player reactions and high-profile attendees, influencing both competition and attendance decisions.

Crowd behavior

Reports of vocal, sometimes disruptive fans and their influence on player experiences underscore the role of spectators in creating a challenging environment for international competition.

Security and attendance

The attendance of President Donald Trump necessitated heightened security, reportedly causing delays for fans and illustrating logistical complexities when high-profile figures attend public sporting events.

Athlete and family decisions

Concerns about crowd behavior impacted participation, with one European player's family choosing not to attend. This demonstrates how the atmosphere at events can influence personal decisions beyond the competition itself.