Ryder Cup staff member quits job and apologises to Rory McIlroy for her first tee actions
Ryder Cup emcee Heather McMahan stepped down from her position and reportedly apologised to Rory McIlroy for leading vulgar chants against the Team Europe star at the first tee on Saturday
Ryder Cup host Heather McMahan has reportedly apologised to Rory McIlroy and quit her role after leading a foul-mouthed chant directed at the Northern Irishman. The 36-year-old endured relentless abuse from the raucous crowd at Bethpage Black Golf Course while partnering Shane Lowry in Saturday's opening four-ball match.
Organisers stepped in to address the hostile reception McIlroy faced, with messages on the big screens reminding spectators of proper conduct as police moved to eject troublesome supporters.
But comedian McMahan did little to calm the unruly atmosphere before the morning foursomes began, actively encouraging inappropriate behaviour. At the first tee, she was seen bellowing "F*** you Rory!" through a megaphone as those in the grandstands joined in.
Furious golf fans flooded social media to slam McMahon for leading the unprofessional chant. “Someone on the payroll of the @PGA, who was paid to lead the crowd in chants, led them in a ‘F*** you, Rory’ this morning as parents sat in the stands with their kids at the @rydercup,” one X user wrote. “This is the state of golf in America, 2025.”
Another added: “Heard the audio of this. It’s a disgrace if that person is the emcee again on the first tee tomorrow. All for getting the crowd riled up but that’s deplorable.”
READ MORE: Ryder Cup chaos sees heated Bryson DeChambeau and Tommy Fleetwood clash before caddie's shoveREAD MORE: Police forced into Ryder Cup action as Rory McIlroy refuses to take shot after crowd tauntAccording to the Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter, via the Mirror US, McMahan apologised to McIlroy for her behaviour and stepped down from her role as first tee emcee afterwards.
After first being greeted with chants of "F*** you, Rory", McIlroy responded by blowing kisses to the crowd behind the first tee.
However, the playful trash talking took a darker turn as the day wore on. On several occasions during his four-ball against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young, McIlroy was forced to back away from his shot as hecklers hurled profanities and vulgar comments his way.
When the personal attacks escalated on the 16th hole, McIlroy stopped his swing preparation and shouted "Shut the f*** up" at one fan who yelled, "Freedom!"
Speaking to reporters, McIlroy maintained that he was largely okay with the way fans treated him.“I don’t mind them having a go at us. Like, that’s to be expected,” he said.
“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 quizzed about whether he thought the rival fans had crossed a line with their behaviour, 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.”
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the Ryder Cup, saving members £336 and offering all three days of the 2025 competition live with extended coverage.