Credited from: NPR
A master of ceremonies at the Ryder Cup has stepped down following her involvement in a vulgar chant aimed at golfer Rory McIlroy. Comedian Heather McMahan was recorded repeating a foul-mouthed jeer towards McIlroy during the tournament at Bethpage Black golf course, prompting swift backlash. The PGA of America confirmed her resignation and stated that she "extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe" following the incident, which occurred on Saturday, September 27, 2025, according to Reuters and NPR.
McMahan's actions came under scrutiny as videos circulated on social media showed her leading the crowd in vulgar chants against McIlroy, with some attendees joining in enthusiastically. This behavior occurred amidst a generally raucous atmosphere at the Ryder Cup, where tensions ran high due to Team Europe's lead over the U.S. According to the PGA of America, the increased security measures included ejecting two spectators for their unruly actions, indicating the extent of the disorder, as noted by India Times and Channel News Asia.
McIlroy himself reacted to the crowd's hostility during the match, telling spectators to "shut up" while preparing for his shots. He remarked on the challenges of participating in an away Ryder Cup, highlighting that while jeering is a part of the experience, it becomes disruptive when it affects gameplay. "It's really, really challenging... whenever they are still doing it while you are over the ball," he stated, according to Reuters and NPR.
Despite the controversies surrounding fan behavior, Team Europe achieved a significant victory over Team USA, concluding the Ryder Cup with a score of 15-13. This conflict raised broader discussions about the need for organizers to ensure a respectful environment for both players and attendees, emphasizing the importance of sporting etiquette, as reported by India Times and Channel News Asia.