Rory McIlroy was subjected to abuse from the American fans at the Ryder Cup on Saturday, with his wife Erica Stoll reportedly left in tears after being hit by a drink
Erica Stoll, wife of Rory McIlroy, was reportedly left in tears at the Ryder Cup following relentless heckling from Team USA supporters during Saturday’s four-ball match. McIlroy, who was partnered with Shane Lowry, is no stranger to hostile chants and abuse from American fans.
Initially, the 36-year-old responded by sarcastically blowing kisses to the crowd. However, his patience wore thin by the fifth hole on day two, as he stepped back and refused to putt until a section of American fans quietened down.
He was overheard saying: “I’m not going to putt until they shut up.” Just before winning the match with an impressive approach shot into the 16th, McIlroy once again stepped off the shot to tell a group of spectators to “shut the f*** up.”
The rowdy Bethpage Black crowd allegedly escalated their behaviour by throwing a drink at him, which was reported to have hit his wife instead, reports the Mirror.
Footage near the 17th green captured a spectator shouting: “Somebody threw a drink at her!” It remains unclear from the video whether Erica was actually struck.
Viral footage shows McIlroy seemingly comforting his wife and wiping something from her hat, before appearing to ask: “Are you okay?”.
According to a report from The 42, after completing their on-course interviews, McIlroy and Lowry met their wives on the 18th green. McIlroy was seen walking with his arm around Stoll, who was reportedly in tears.
McIlroy, whose fourball match ended in a draw, was supported by his wife Stoll, 38, prior to the game. The New Yorker was spotted wearing a straw-coloured hat and blouse, adorned with golf-themed jewellery, including a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch.
Despite the antagonistic reception, McIlroy confessed he wasn’t surprised by their conduct. “I don’t mind them having a go at us. Like, that’s to be expected,” he stated.
“I mean, that’s what an away Ryder Cup is. Whenever they are still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that’s the tough thing.
“You know, look, in between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine. But just let us – you gave us the respect to let us hit shots, and give us the same chance that the Americans have, I guess.”
When questioned if he thought the opposing fans had crossed a line, McIlroy responded: “When you play an away Ryder Cup it’s really, really challenging. It’s not for me to say.
“People can be their own judge whether they took it too far or not. I’m just proud of us for being able to win with what we had to go through.”
#Rory #McIlroys #wife #left #tears #hit #drink #vile #Ryder #Cup #abuse
