U.S. Golf Legend Apologizes for Ryder Cup Fan Behavior

The conduct of American fans at this weekend's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York was met with widespread criticism and condemnation.

It wasn't just European players and foreign press rebuking the vulgar and relentless U.S. partisans. American media also followed suit, as did Tom Watson, and eight-time major winner and four-time Ryder Cup champion.

Watson, who won the prestigious event three times as a player and once as a non-playing captain, addressed the controversy on X/Twitter Monday morning.

"I’d like to congratulate @RyderCupEurope on their victory. Your team play the first few days was sensational," Watson began. "More importantly, I’d like to apologize for the rude and mean-spirited behavior from our American crowd at Bethpage.

"As a former player, Captain and as an American, I am ashamed of what happened. #RyderCup."

Rory McIlroy, wife major targets

While the victorious European team as a whole heard it from the assembled crowds on Long Island Friday through Sunday, McIlroy was a focal point of the taunting.

Chants of "F--k you, Rory" echoed throughout the weekend, and fans even reportedly made reference to unsubstantiated rumors that McIlroy had an affair with CBS golf announcer Amanda Balionis.

Additionally, McIlroy's wife Erica also received an "astonishing" amount of abuse, according to her husband's playing partner Shane Lowry, and at one point a beer was thrown at the 2025 Masters champions spouse.

“It should be off-limits, but obviously it wasn’t this week," McIlroy said.

“Erica is fine. She’s a very, very strong woman. You know, she handled everything this week with class and poise and dignity like she always has. I love her and we’re going to have a good time celebrating tonight.”

McIlroy himself called the behavior "unacceptable" and "abusive."

Fans will be under scrutiny at next Ryder Cup

The next installment of the biennial event will be in Europe, with Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland hosting the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Without question, there will be a microscope placed on fan behavior during the tournament, both from the home European supporters and Americans who traveled abroad.

When the Ryder Cup returns to the U.S. in 2029, at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, American fans will once again be carefully scrutinized.