The master of ceremonies at the first tee at Bethpage Black has stepped down after encouraging the crowd to engage in a foul-mouthed chant aimed at Rory McIlroy on Saturday morning.
Video footage online appeared to show comedian and actress Heather McMahan saying “f**k you Rory” into a microphone before play began on the second day of the Ryder Cup, as she attempted to gee up supporters.
The PGA of America, which runs the competition, said in a statement: “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.”
McMahan’s representatives have been contacted for comment.
McIlroy, 36, was subjected to a particularly hostile reception from the United States-supporting fans throughout Saturday.
At least 20 police officers were on or around the tee box at No. 10, some of them on bicycles, in an attempt to dissuade spectators.
When one man shouted “freedom” as he prepared to hit a shot at the 16th, the Northern Irishman responded by saying “shut the f**k up.”
McIlroy and his partner Shane Lowry ended up adding to Europe’s lead, winning their four-ball against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young.
As Lowry sank the putt to win, both erupted for a final time and motioned to the European fans in the grandstand surrounding the 18th hole.
“When you play an away Ryder Cup it’s really, really challenging. It’s not for me to say,” McIlroy said when asked if fans were over the line. “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.”
(Photo: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Sep 29, 2025
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