The Ryder Cup first-tee announcer who encouraged expletive chants at Rory McIlroy has apologised and stepped down, the PGA of America has confirmed.
McIlroy has received regular heckling and boos throughout the event at Bethpage Black, with The Masters champion responding to one comment during his morning foursomes match with Tommy Fleetwood by telling a spectator to “shut the f*** up”.
A raucous New York crowd shouted “f*** you Rory” on the first tee ahead of that session, with announcer Heather McMahan encouraging the chant by saying it back on her microphone towards the packed grandstand.
McIlroy refused to putt while the US crowds shouted out at him on the sixth green
McIlroy continued to receive a hostile reception during Saturday’s fourballs session, where extra security was brought in to control fan behaviour, with McMahan stepping down from her first-tee role ahead of the final day.
A statement from the PGA of America read: “Heather McMahan has extended an apology to Rory Mcllroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup.”
More to follow…
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