Ugly American is no longer just a political label, but also something reflecting the U.S. team’s play at the Ryder Cup, and also fan behavior at the sometimes-fractious golf tournament held on Long Island.
The European team completed a 15–13 win Sunday in the high-profile event, which began with plenty of anticipation but ended with the outcome never really in doubt—despite the U.S. beginning as a slight betting favorite and then attempting a late comeback in singles play. The loss was the first for the U.S. at home in the Ryder Cup since 2012.
Saturday’s play became particularly ugly as Rory McIlroy, a star of the European team and the No. 2-ranked player in the world, was the subject of numerous profane chants and fan taunts as he competed. Other European team members were also heckled by a particularly rowdy crowd at Bethpage Black, and tensions remained palpable during the final day of play Sunday.
Mic Drop, Literally
Comedian and actress Heather McMahan, the master of ceremonies at the Ryder Cup, stepped down from that role early Sunday as video emerged of her shouting, “Fuck you, Rory!” into the microphone. The PGA of America later issued a statement confirming that McMahan apologized to McIlroy and had indeed left the MC role.
McIlroy initially responded to the crowd in similar fashion, telling spectators to “shut the fuck up” at one point as he lined up a shot. Later, though, he attempted to take the heckling in stride, saying, “I don’t mind them having a go at us.” European captain Luke Donald wasn’t nearly as magnanimous and said the U.S. fans “crossed a line” with their behavior.
“What I consider crossing the line is personal insults and making sounds when they are trying to hit on their backswings or very close to when they are trying to go into their routines. That did happen a little bit,” Donald said.
Other issues surrounding the Ryder Cup included poorly reviewed early coverage on NBC and a Friday appearance by U.S. President Donald Trump, during which the Europeans began their domination of the event.
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