Farmingdale, NY – From the moment Beth Page Black was announced in 2013 as host of this year’s Ryder Cup, we had hoped that competition could become one of the loudest and potentially one of the rowbusts in recent memory.
But what features Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry in the afternoon’s four-ball match on Saturday has turned more than expected.
Beyond the 18 holes, the European star screamed over and over again, especially during pre-shot routines or before hitting putt. As the match between Justin Thomas and Cameron Young progressed, and the European lead in the US grew – strength from the crowd escalated, leading to increased security and multiple fans ejection.
On the fourth green, McIlroy had to retreat his balls multiple times when fans yelled at him.
“We knew we were coming here, and it was a very tough day,” Laurie said. “Going out with Rory doesn’t make it easier. I think he’s on the brunt of it.”
Earlier on Saturday at Foursome, McIlroy cried out as he lined up to hit a shot and replied, “f — up!” This got caught up in a television broadcast.
“Don’t mind that they’re going to us. That’s what you’d expect. So it’s the away rider cup,” McIlroy said after the morning match. “Whenever they’re over the ball and trying to hit your shot, it’s hard.”
Tensions continued to rise as fans went to zero to McIlroy. From “f —You, Rory” to specific comments about McIlroy’s previous major losses at Pinehurst, his masters ranged from how this year’s Master would win, his personal life, and his marriage. Laurie also received a share of his share of humiliation about his weight, his lack of contribution to McIlroy in their partnership, and how much they “cannot treat fans.”
“Look, when you play the Away Rider Cup, it’s really, really challenging,” McIlroy said. “It’s not to me what I say. People can become their own judges about whether they had it too far.”
By hole 9 on Saturday, nearly 20 New York State Police officers lined up the ropes as the players were tee-off. Some Bethpage State Park police officers on their bikes were monitoring the gallery.
On hole 10, after Rory and McIlroy hit a tee shot, Rory called the state troopers and forced McIlroy to abandon the fans who overseen the comments before hitting the drive.
In a statement, PGA of America said it added security and state police to McIlroy’s matches and other afternoon sessions. The number of messages on the video board regarding fan operation has also increased.
“We will continue to monitor the behavior of our fans closely and take appropriate action,” the PGA said.
New York State Police spokesman Bee Duffy said two fans were kicked out.
But despite the added security, the noise and heckling continued. McIlroy lined up to putts on the 11th Green, multiple ex-s, Rule officials, and both Thomas and Young raised their arms as they put fans in the nearby grandstands to get McIlroy to pass his routine.
While standing behind that green, European player Robert McIntyre sat in the afternoon session, pointed to a member of the European staff, who played both sides, when Thomas, who was feeding the energy of the crowd.
“He’s equipped with f–thems and now he’s trying to calm them down,” McIntyre said.
McIlroy seemed to bottle the emotions in the midst of a frenzy until they were burning. On the 14th hole, on Match All Square, he sinks a birdie putt and picks up the ball from the hole and gushs out. He clenched his fists and gestured towards the crowd in the grandstand, “Come! f —on!” before staring at the fans for a long time. As Thomas missed a birdie putt and gave the Europeans the first time since the ninth hole, McIlroy stared at the crowd again and pointed to the scoreboard.
“It was a really difficult day,” McIlroy said. “I’m withering… I’ll sleep well tonight.”
On the 18th Green, after two wins over Thomas and Young, McIlroy and Laurie both hugged their wives and teammates, celebrating with the grandstand crowd.
“I thought the fans were passionate. So their home team is getting worse,” US Captain Keegan Bradley said of the behavior of the American crowd. “I wasn’t in Rome, but I’ve heard a lot of stories that Rome is also pretty violent. You always have a few people who cross the line. That’s a shame… it’s our fault. We don’t meet the standards they want to see.
However, Laurie described the Saturday experience as unique.
“It was intense. It seemed like something I had never experienced,” Laurie said. “But this is what I live in. This is it. This is honestly why I wake up in the morning. This is what I love. I love being part of this team. I really want to win this tournament.”
