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3 Oct 2025 19:28
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  •   Home > News > Sports > Sailing

    Rory McIlroy defends wife Erica after 'astonishing' abuse from American Ryder Cup fans

    Rory McIlroy supports his wife Erica, who was said to be on the receiving end of "astonishing" abuse from American fans during the Ryder Cup in New York.


    The victorious European Ryder Cup team has called out the behaviour of American fans at Bethpage after three days of unsavoury scenes from within the gallery.

    Europe stalwart Rory McIlroy was on the receiving end of the lion's share of the abuse, and the low point of the weekend came when a beer projected from the crowd struck McIlroy's wife, Erica.

    An MC hired by the PGA of America was also stood down after leading a "f*** you, Rory" chant before the second morning of competition.

    Shane Lowry, who played alongside McIlroy, said Erica was a constant target of American abuse.

    "I was out there for two days with Erica McIlroy, and the amount of abuse that she received was astonishing," Lowry said.

    "The way she was out there supporting her husband and supporting her team was unbelievable, and kudos to her for that."

    An emotional McIlroy stood up for his wife and decried the abuse they both received in New York.

    "Erica is fine. She is a very, very strong woman. She handled everything with class and poise and dignity like she always has.

    "I love her, and we're going to have a good time celebrating tonight.

    "I don't think we should ever accept that in golf. I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week.

    "We will be making sure to say to our fans in Ireland in 2027 that what happened here is not acceptable."

    Luke Donald, the captain of the European team, praised his team for overcoming a "nasty" atmosphere.

    McIlroy also said he thought the heavy police and security presence on the second afternoon was "insane" and believed the poor behaviour was isolated to a minority in the crowd.

    "There was a lot of language that was unacceptable and abusive behaviour, but it's a minority of the crowd.

    "The majority of people here are true golf fans and are respectful, and let both teams have the same chance to hit the shots and have a fair contest.

    "But there was a small subset of people that behaved a little bit differently than that."

    © 2025 ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved

     Other Sailing News
     03 Oct: Wing trimmer Blair Tuke believes the Black Foils have learned plenty from a poor showing in their most recent outing in SailGP
     29 Sep: Beer almost hits Erica and Rory McIlroy as Europe beats US in ugly Ryder Cup scenes
     23 Sep: After a century of playing simply for prestige, the American Ryder Cup golf team is being paid for the very first time...but those greenbacks may not be going into their back pockets
     22 Sep: Frustration for the Black Foils off the Geneva coast
     21 Sep: New Zealand is in fifth place after the first day of sailing at the Switzerland Sail Grand Prix on Lake Geneva
     13 Sep: A promising start for the Black Foils on the opening day of SailGP racing in France
     22 Aug: Black Ferns legend Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is touting the influence of American rugby star Ilona Maher as revolutionary
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