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McIlroy Slams Ryder Cup Crowd as Worst Ever
2 Jan
Summary
- McIlroy experienced unprecedented crowd abuse at the Ryder Cup.
- Fan insults targeted his family, including his daughter.
- He believes the U.S. captain could have moderated fan behavior.
Rory McIlroy has labeled the crowd at the recent Ryder Cup as the worst he has encountered in his career, far exceeding previous experiences. The golfer detailed how the abuse went beyond typical heckling, extending to deeply personal and horrific insults aimed at his wife and daughter. This level of hostility, he stated, was unacceptable in the sport.
McIlroy suggested that U.S. captain Keegan Bradley could have intervened to temper the crowd's behavior during the event. While acknowledging the need for home-field advantage, McIlroy felt there was a missed opportunity for leadership to promote respectful play, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. He noted that the atmosphere improved slightly on Sunday.
The golfer drew parallels to football fan culture, citing a "mob mentality" among some spectators. Despite the negative experiences, McIlroy still considers the Ryder Cup his most enjoyable event, highlighting the unique team camaraderie and the thrill of collective victory, which he found even more rewarding than individual wins.
