Rory McIlroy expressed worry for his spouse, Erica Stoll, following reports that she was hit by a drink thrown from the unruly Ryder Cup crowd at Bethpage Black Golf Course. While partnering with Shane Lowry in the four-ball session on Saturday, McIlroy endured continuous taunts from the spirited New York spectators.
Anticipating a hostile reception, McIlroy, a frequent target of crowd jeers, faced more than just verbal attacks during the event. Allegedly, a bystander threw a beverage at the 36-year-old golfer but accidentally hit Stoll instead, as reported by Mirror US. In a viral video, McIlroy can be seen consoling Stoll and removing an object from her hat before checking on her well-being.
The couple decided to distance themselves from the crowd, although Stoll kept scanning the area for the alleged offender. Outraged fans took to social media to denounce the reported mistreatment towards Stoll as unacceptable.
Several golf enthusiasts stressed the need to respect players and their families, emphasizing that rowdiness should have boundaries. This incident was not the first time McIlroy encountered confrontations with spectators at Bethpage Black, where hecklers disrupted his gameplay on numerous occasions.
Amid personal insults during the morning session, McIlroy halted his shot preparation on the 16th hole to address the disruptors directly. He acknowledged that facing a hostile crowd is part of the challenge in the Ryder Cup, especially on U.S. soil.
Reflecting on the intense atmosphere, McIlroy emphasized the importance of allowing players to focus on their shots without unnecessary disruptions. He refrained from commenting on whether the opposing supporters went too far, crediting his team’s ability to triumph despite the adversities faced.
Following a successful Saturday, Team Europe maintained a significant lead of 11.5-4.5 over Team USA. The Ryder Cup will culminate with 12 singles matches on Sunday, determining the ultimate victor.
In anticipation of the Ryder Cup, Sky has introduced discounted rates for its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, granting viewers access to live coverage of the 2025 competition across all three days with extended programming.
