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15 Oct 2025 11:00
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  •   Home > News > Sports > Sailing

    Beer almost hits Erica and Rory McIlroy as Europe beats US in ugly Ryder Cup scenes

    A beer launched from the crowd almost hits Rory and Erica McIlroy as Europe dominates America in a tense Ryder Cup.


    Ugly scenes broke out at golf's Ryder Cup in the United States after a beer was launched from the crowd, almost hitting Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and his wife, Erica.

    Europe dominated at the New York course to retain the trophy, having claimed victory 13 out of 19 times since 1979.

    But a tense and often unruly atmosphere came to a head on the weekend, when a cup of beer almost struck the European star and his partner.

    The incident occurred after the second day of competition, after McIlroy and Shane Lowry had defeated Americans Justin Thomas and Cam Young in the four-balls.

    Footage shows McIlroy turning back to the crowd to remonstrate after the incident.

    A second angle of the incident appears to show that the beer was being held by one fan in the air, before another fan slapped it out of his hand towards the couple.

    Earlier on Sunday, a Ryder Cup MC employed to warm up the American crowd stepped down from her role and apologised after leading an offensive chant aimed at McIlroy.

    Comedian Heather McMahan joined in with the crowd on the first tee yesterday as they chanted "f*** you, Rory!" at Europe's star player. 

    Her chant rang out over the public address system and was caught on recordings.

    The PGA of America said in a statement that McMahan had apologised. 

    "Heather has extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup," it said.

    European captain Luke Donald accused American fans of "crossing the line" after his players were subjected to heckling, with comments repeatedly aimed at McIlroy as he prepared to play shots.

    Fans were fired up from day one after a visit from president Donald Trump, who watched on from behind bullet proof glass after rallying the crowd.

    Europe dominates again to claim Ryder Cup

    Meanwhile, the Americans were left searching for answers in what is becoming a lopsided series.

    The Americans at least showed a pulse on the final day and made Europe sweat, storming back from the largest last day deficit ever against Europe with real hope.

    Shane Lowry, who contended with the unruly New York crowds all week, had the last word. He birdied three of the last four holes, and his final putt will be part of Ryder Cup lore for Europe.

    Russell Henley had a 1-up lead, but his 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th to win the match was short.

    Lowry holed his 6-foot birdie to halve the match, giving Europe the 14 points it needed to retain the cup as the defending champion. Three matches remained on the course.

    Lowry said to his caddie walking up the 18th, "I have a chance to do the coolest thing in my life." 

    And he did just that.

    Europe now has captured the cup 13 out of 19 times since 1979, the start of the modern era, and now has won five of the last 10 Ryder Cups on US soil.

    Europe's best players starred at Bethpage Black even as New York fans hurled abuse, building a record seven-point lead going into the 12 singles matches.

    Europe put a half-point on the board before a shot was hit. Viktor Hovland, who had a summer neck injury flare up on Saturday, was forced to withdraw. Harris English, whose name had been put in the secret envelope, also sat out and the match was declared halved.

    The Americans had to win nine of the 11 matches and halve another and they put up an astonishing fight, finally hearing cheers for the US instead of only vitriol toward Europe.

    © 2025 ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved

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