FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) — Rory McIlroy had heard enough. Standing over his ball on the 16th hole at Bethpage Black, the jeers kept coming. He backed off, turned to the gallery, and snapped: “Shut the (expletive) up!” Moments later, he let his clubs do the talking.
McIlroy struck his approach to within three feet, setting up partner Tommy Fleetwood’s clinching putt in a 3-and-2 victory over Americans Collin Morikawa and Harris English on Saturday. The win stretched Europe’s Ryder Cup lead to 8½–3½ heading into the afternoon session.
Known for taking the brunt of U.S. crowd heckling during Ryder Cups on American soil, McIlroy faced a barrage all day — from digs about his protein bars to shouts of “Not today, Rory!” Still, when the match tightened after two straight U.S. wins, he delivered the decisive blow.
“I don’t mind them having a go at us — that’s to be expected,” McIlroy said afterward. “But when you’re over the ball trying to hit your shot, that’s the tough thing.”
The win marked the second foursomes triumph for the “Fleetwood Mac” duo, who continue to prove one of Europe’s most reliable partnerships.
McIlroy later struck a conciliatory note, acknowledging the edge of playing in enemy territory. “In between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine,” he said. “But just give us the respect to hit our shots. Give us the same chance the Americans have.”
For the Northern Irishman, the message was loud and clear: heckle all you like — just don’t expect him to fold under pressure.