![\"Rory](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_GettyImages-2237763682.jpg\")
Rory McIlroy was at the centre of a storm throughout the Ryder Cup(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe 2025 Ryder Cup delivered edge-of-your-seat drama as Team Europe edged to a 15-13 victory over the USA, but the event was marred by controversy and rowdy fan behaviourRory McIlroy was at the centre of a storm throughout the Ryder Cup(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
The 2025 Ryder Cup<\/a> at Bethpage Black served up nail-biting drama as Team Europe held onto their crown<\/a> with a hard-fought 15-13 triumph. They just barely escaped a dramatic late fightback from Team USA<\/a>, who dominated singles Sunday, but couldn’t quite snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.<\/p>\n Rory McIlroy<\/a> found himself in the eye of the hurricane, his fiery behaviour – including shouting “f*** off” at a heckler<\/a> – generating both applause and criticism. Further drama unfolded when McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, found herself targeted by the hostile New York atmosphere<\/a> during the mayhem.<\/p>\n As the dust settles on one of the tightest and most thrilling Ryder Cups in recent history, Mirror Sport is gathering the latest developments from the golfing world<\/a>.<\/p>\n Erica Stoll criticism<\/p>\n The Ryder Cup’s charged environment turned nasty when Erica was hit by a beer cup<\/a> thrown from the spectators on the tournament’s second day. The incident, which happened during Saturday’s afternoon fourballs, prompted immediate criticism from McIlroy, who lashed out<\/a> at the Bethpage Black gallery, believing they had crossed the line.<\/p>\n However, some remarkably criticised McIlroy for inviting Stoll to the event in the first place. Baseball Hall of Famer Chipper Jones entered the debate on X, slamming the Masters<\/a> champion for putting his family in harm’s way amongst New York’s infamously unruly sporting supporters.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Donald Trump’s private text message to Rory McIlroy in dressing room after Ryder Cup<\/a>READ MORE: Team Europe’s huge bar bill as cost of boozy Ryder Cup celebrations revealed<\/a><\/p>\n Reflecting on his own 19-year stint with the Atlanta Braves, Jones wrote, “AT NO TIME in 2 decades was my family EVER allowed to go to a game in NY. What do u expect to happen? Is it right? No! But when u are public enemy #1….expect to be treated harshly.”<\/p>\n McIlroy, remaining composed, hailed Stoll as “a very strong woman” who dealt with the situation with dignity, whilst team-mate Shane Lowry<\/a> described the abuse faced by the Europeans as “astonishing”.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Jones faced a furious online backlash, with supporters labelling his comments “outrageous” and a “bum opinion.”<\/p>\n Following the Ryder Cup’s poisonous atmosphere, golfing legend Tom Watson<\/a> came forward with a sincere apology for the American spectators’ “rude and mean-spirited behaviour.”<\/p>\n The eight-time major champion and former US Ryder Cup Captain voiced his embarrassment, declaring: “As a former player, Captain, and as an American, I am ashamed of what happened.”<\/p>\n Watson’s mea culpa contrasted sharply with Keegan Bradley<\/a>, Team USA’s 2025 Captain, who played down the mayhem, describing the New York crowd as “pretty good” whilst only admitting that “a few people… cross the line.”<\/p>\n McIlroy, who found himself at the centre of much of the controversy, reinforced demands for better behaviour. “Golf<\/a> should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week,” he declared, condemning the “unacceptable and abusive” remarks from a small but vocal group.<\/p>\n Alfred Dunhill Links names confirmed<\/p>\n Four of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars are making their way to the home of golf for the forthcoming Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, which gets underway on Thursday.<\/p>\n Tyrell Hatton<\/a>, Tommy Fleetwood<\/a>, Matt Fitzpatrick<\/a> and Bob MacIntyre<\/a> have all been announced for the tournament. Multi-time major champions including Brooks Koepka<\/a>, Bubba Watson<\/a>, Padraig Harrington<\/a> and Dustin Johnson<\/a> are also taking part, as is former Masters champion Danny Willett<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Dunhill Links’ trademark pro-am format also delivers a touch of celebrity glamour<\/a>, with tennis<\/a> legend Andy Murray<\/a>, cricket<\/a> icon Kevin Pietersen<\/a> and Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas all confirmed to tee off.<\/p>\n Since launching in 2001, the tournament has moved between three legendary Scottish courses – The Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie Golf Links, and Kingsbarns Golf Links – with St Andrews hosting this year’s action.<\/p>\n Conspicuously missing from the field is McIlroy, who has been runner-up on three occasions but remains without the trophy. He’ll be watching from afar alongside fellow Ryder Cup stars Lowry and Viktor Hovland, both previous competitors in the tournament.<\/p>\n Donald keeping options open<\/p>\n Europe’s Ryder Cup mastermind Luke Donald<\/a> is playfully considering the possibility of a third captaincy, declining to “rule out” another tenure despite officially stepping down at the weekend.<\/p>\n![\"Rory](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_GettyImages-2237957564.jpg\")
Rory McIlroy’s decision to bring wife Erica Stoll to the Ryder Cup has been slammed(Image: Getty Images)Ryder Cup apology issued<\/p>\n![\"Tom](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_GettyImages-181733788.jpg\")
Tom Watson says he was embarrassed by many of the home supporters at Bethpage Black(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Tommy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_GettyImages-2237953604.jpg\")
Tommy Fleetwood is one of four European Ryder Cup winners taking part in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship<\/p>\n