Rory McIlroy looks set to have the last laugh after tensions boiled over on Saturday at the Ryder Cup, with Europe on the verge of a stunning victory at Bethpage Black.
Luke Donald‘s men only need to win three of Sunday’s 12 singles matches to ensure that the Ryder Cup returns across the Atlantic with them. They have been absolutely outstanding over the first two days in New York.
Rory McIlroy has produced arguably the most impressive Ryder Cup performance of his career. McIlroy has won three and tied another of his four matches this week at Bethpage.
The Northern Irishman has definitely helped set the tone for Europe. And his display has been all the more remarkable because many of the fans have not held back in their abuse of the five-time major champion.
Johnson Wagner reacts to the abuse Rory McIlroy faced at the Ryder Cup
McIlroy has sworn at spectators over the first two days, while he made it clear at one stage that he was not prepared to hit a putt until those behind the ropes quietened down.
While McIlroy may be disappointed in himself for lashing out, it is clear that much of the vitriol being directed at the 36-year-old is crossing the line – by some way.
Speaking on McGinley & Chamblee, Johnson Wagner insisted that McIlroy had to deal with some despicable comments.
“Everybody in our group was horrified with what was being said to Rory and I have heard first hand how bad some of the things were that were being said,” he said.
“This is the Ryder Cup and this is my first one, so I am not going to act like the expert, but this is not the WM Phoenix Open. This is the Ryder Cup. And I just feel like this is going too far.
“I don’t want the Ryder Cup to set a precedent that it’s okay to go even further next year. I don’t know what to do about that but it’s the way I feel.”
Meanwhile, Rich Lerner made an appeal to those thinking it is a good idea to abuse the competitors.
“Boyish behaviour is not something to be proud of. I’m looking at everybody in the audience and were we not all embarrassed at some point today? Root hard for your team, but don’t be a jackass while you’re doing it. I mean, come on,” he said.
Justin Thomas praised after match against Rory McIlroy
The abuse heading McIlroy’s way put Cameron Young and Justin Thomas in a difficult position on Saturday afternoon. It certainly overshadowed their match – which turned into a classic.
Thomas had to walk a fine line between trying to inspire the crowd when he managed to do something of note, while also doing his best to stop things getting out of hand.
And Brandel Chamblee suggested that Thomas deserves a lot of credit for trying to help McIlroy out.
“When the putt fell in Rome everyone said can you imagine how frothy it is going to be when we get to New York. Again, if there are 50,000 people out there, 49,800 of them are doing everything that they need to be doing and enjoying themselves. It just takes a few,” he said.
“I think you have take your cap off to Justin Thomas. Justin Thomas was trying to quieten the crowd because Rory was getting so much of the stick from everybody out there.”
Europe are so far ahead that it is hard to imagine that the atmosphere during the singles will be anywhere near as hostile as it would have been at 8-8.
As things stand, it is probably the American team who will probably be more concerned about the fan reaction on Sunday.
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