A beer is launched from the Ryder Cup crowd towards Rory and Erica McIlroy. (Supplied) Photo: Supplied
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.
#WATCH: A new video has surfaced showing an American fan tossing a beer at Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica at the Ryder Cup yesterday.
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) September 28, 2025
(Via: @MovistarGolf / @flushingitgolf)
pic.twitter.com/9XLdBgcpf3
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.
Here’s the full scene as Rory McIlroy’s wife Erica got hit with a beer (glanced off her hat) on Saturday afternoon.
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) September 28, 2025
Rory and Lowry had just won on 18 and he was coming back to 17 to cheer on the groups behind — and celebrate with Euro fans.
Looked like someone hit the drink out… pic.twitter.com/vdG4mAny1s
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.
- ABC
