At the Ryder Cup
Golf star loses the nerves and shows the middle finger
09/27/2025 – 4:01 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Rory McIlroy undermined a slip at the Ryder Cup. The northern end, which is currently in second place in the world rankings, briefly lost its nerves in the middle of the special atmosphere.
At the most famous golf tournament in the world, which makes the best players in Europe and the USA compete against each other every two years, it is common for the audience to be louder than at ordinary tournaments. This is exactly what Rory McIlroy apparently brought out of the concept this time.
In Four Ball on Friday afternoon he played with Shane Lowry against Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns. On the 11th hole, McIlroy suddenly showed the middle finger – cameras recorded how he turned his head to the left while walking over the green, raised his arm and then looked again in the direction.
Previously, Lowry had shown on a fan, reported media. Commentators assigned the gesture to a viewer with Irish flag. However, it is also possible that McIlroy disturbed the general volume. Announcements such as “Asshole” were heard again and again, and a group of spectators “f *** you, rory” also taught.
On Thursday, Mcilroy himself had granted himself that he often had difficulty finding the right balance in dealing with the fans at the Ryder Cup. “I have the feeling that I sometimes got into the audience too much at the Ryder Cup,” he said. On the other hand, there are also phases in which he got too little. It is crucial to use the energy of the audience for their own performance.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump also followed the competition on Long Island before the afternoon session began. The 79-year-old is a passionate golfer.
The clashes with fans are not new to McIlroy. Already in 2016 he was insulted after his separation by Caroline Wozniacki. There have also been controversy at the Ryder Cup. In 2023, Patrick Cantlay, with his lack of headgear in Rome, caused discussions after rumors came up with a possible protest.
On Saturday it continues on the Black Course on Long Island. Two years ago, Europe triumphed against the United States in Rome with 16.5: 11.5.