Rory McIlroy Dominates Foursomes Despite Heckling at Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy faced intense heckling during the morning foursomes of the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, but he and teammate Tommy Fleetwood secured a decisive 3&2 victory over Collin Morikawa and Harris English. The match took place on September 30, 2023, and marked the second consecutive day that the European duo triumphed, contributing to Europe’s overall lead in this prestigious tournament.

The atmosphere surrounding McIlroy was hostile, with some spectators crossing the line from playful banter to outright verbal abuse, which included personal attacks aimed at his family. The Northern Irish golfer, who has spoken fondly of his connections to the United States through his American wife and daughter, was notably affected by the crowd’s hostility. After a particularly disruptive moment on the 16th hole, McIlroy, visibly frustrated, exclaimed, “Shut the f**k up!”

Despite the distractions, McIlroy demonstrated remarkable focus and skill, executing a brilliant approach shot that ultimately helped seal the win for Europe. Their victory on the course was complemented by a strong performance throughout the session, allowing Europe to extend its lead to 8.5 to 3.5 points after a 3-1 win in the foursomes. Europe had arrived at this session with a solid 5.5 to 2.5 advantage from the previous day’s play.

From the outset, McIlroy was a target for the home crowd’s jeers. Upon being introduced at the first tee, he responded with a playful gesture, opening his arms wide to acknowledge the cheers and boos alike. As McIlroy and Fleetwood surged to a four-up lead through eight holes, the heckling intensified, often occurring just as McIlroy prepared to take his shot.

Reflecting on the experience, McIlroy noted, “You have got to really focus on the task at hand. In the team format, you can stick together with your partner and it makes it a little bit easier.” He emphasized that while he expected some crowd interference, there should be a level of respect during crucial moments of play. “I don’t mind them having a go at us, like that’s to be expected… but just give us the respect to let us hit shots,” he stated.

The McIlroy-Fleetwood pairing, which previously went 2-0 at the Ryder Cup in Rome, has continued its strong performance this year. “We just have to keep the foot down,” McIlroy added, indicating his determination to maintain their winning momentum.

In addition to McIlroy and Fleetwood’s success, European teammates Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton also showcased their synergy with a 3&2 win over American duo Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. Their victory was highlighted by a pivotal chip-in birdie on the eighth hole, which helped them maintain control of the match.

The session concluded with Bob MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland edging out world number one Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley with a dramatic win on the 18th hole. The lone victory for the United States came from Bryson DeChambeau and rookie Cameron Young, who secured a 4&2 win against Matt Fitzpatrick and Ludvig Åberg in the opening foursomes match.

As the Ryder Cup progresses, the tension and excitement continue to build, with both teams vying for supremacy in this storied competition. With two sessions remaining, including the Saturday four-balls and Sunday’s singles matches, the outcome remains highly anticipated by fans and players alike.