"On videos posted on social media, Heather McMahan could be heard joining chants of "f**k you Rory" over a loudspeaker on what was a Saturday of flaring tempers at Bethpage Black. Former PGA Tour players Rich Beem and Andrew Coltart, speaking on Sky Sports, questioned the appointment of the comedian to the role, the aim of which appeared to be to try and raise the voices of the US crowd."
"Her actions were also called out widely on social media, with the PGA later confirming that an apology had been issued and that Ms McMahan would not continue in the role ahead of Sunday's singles matches, in which McIlroy is set for a bumper showdown with world number one Scottie Scheffler. A statement read: "Heather has extended an apology to Rory Mcllroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup.""
"In the Saturday afternoon fourballs, McIlroy was again partnered with Shane Lowry, and the pair were targeted by an oiled-up New York crowd from the get-go. In the Co Down man's case, it's been the same story since the first morning as US fans made frequent mentions of his marriage and last year's US Open "choke" against DeChambeau, while Lowry was constantly insulted over his weight with frequent references to "cabbage", "potatoes", and "pigs". The heckling got so bad the Offaly man unleashed a powerful "F**k you" and pointed to the heckler when he made a 20-footer for eagle at the fourth to put Europe ahead. It was a non-stop distraction for McIlroy and after being forced to step off a putt on the sixth, he told the referee: "I won't putt until they shut up.""
Heather McMahan joined chants of "f**k you Rory" over a loudspeaker during Saturday play at Bethpage Black. Former PGA Tour players questioned her appointment to amplify the US crowd. The PGA confirmed an apology had been issued and that McMahan stepped down from hosting the Ryder Cup first tee ahead of Sunday's singles. McIlroy and partner Shane Lowry faced sustained heckling from a vocal New York crowd. Fans referenced McIlroy's marriage and his US Open "choke" against DeChambeau, and taunted Lowry about his weight with shouts of "cabbage", "potatoes", and "pigs". McIlroy paused play and said he "won't putt until they shut up," and Lowry responded to a heckler after making an eagle putt.
Read at Irish Independent
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