Rory McIlroy calls for ‘higher standard’ after being subjected to crowd abuse

Rory McIlroy was subjected to persistent abuse from the New York crowd at the Ryder Cup. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA

Rory McIlroy quipped police dogs should have been let off leashes after he was subjected to unacceptable crowd abuse at the Ryder Cup.

The Northern Irishman was heckled throughout the three days at Bethpage Black, suffering crude personal taunts and repeated attempts to distract him as he attempted to play shots.

The world number two also revealed his wife Erica had beer thrown at her amid a febrile atmosphere at the New York course during Saturday afternoon’s play.

Rory McIlroy delivered in a fevered atmosphere (Mike Egerton/PA)

McIlroy lost his cool on occasions during the week, making an offensive gesture on one occasion and shouting back on another, while play was repeatedly held up as police tried to restore calm.

“I wish they had let the dogs off the leashes,” said McIlroy in a press conference after Europe held off a remarkable United States fightback to win the trophy 15-13 on Sunday.

“The police out there and the amount of security presence was insane.

“Look, nothing was going to happen – there wasn’t going to be physical altercation or anything like that – but there was a lot of language that was unacceptable and abusive behaviour.

“It’s a minority of the crowd, it’s not the majority. The majority of people here are true golf fans and are respectful, but I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf.”

This should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup.

He continued: “I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week.

“Golf teaches you very good life lessons, it teaches you etiquette, it teaches you how to play by the rules, it teaches you how to respect people.

“Sometimes this week we didn’t see that. So no, this should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup.”

McIlroy’s wife Erica was caught up in the commotion during Saturday’s fractious fourballs session.

The Masters champion said: “Erica is fine. She’s a very, very strong woman. You know, she handled everything this week with class and poise and dignity like she always has.

“I love her and we’re going to have a good time celebrating tonight.”

Rory McIlroy was keen to celebrate with his wife Erica (Mike Egerton/PA)

McIlroy rose above the taunts to deliver three-and-a-half points across the foursomes and fourballs sessions but was unable to maintain his momentum as he was beaten by Scottie Scheffler on the 18th hole in the singles.

“I felt like I was running on empty,” he said. “I gave so much of myself the first two days and I tried as hard as I could out there against Scottie.

“Scottie and I both didn’t have our best. It was a bit of a pillow fight if I’m honest.”

Ultimately it did not matter as Europe denied the US an unlikely comeback victory.

McIlroy said: “I am extremely proud to be a part of this team. We did what we needed to do and we are going to celebrate like there is no tomorrow.”