Rory McIlroy fought through hostilities from the New York crowd to win his second match at the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy, one of the greatest Ryder Cup partnerships of all time, remained undefeated in the competition with a 3&2 victory over Collin Morikawa and Harris English.
It was a controversial pairing chosen by Keegan Bradley, but it would have been a tall order for anyone to beat the European star duo. Even the crowd’s best efforts couldn’t throw off the 2025 Masters winner.
McIlroy faced relentless heckling from the first tee to the final hole. After the victory, he revealed the key to overcoming the New York fans.
Rory McIlroy explains how he overcame Ryder Cup crowd
During the final hole of his foursomes match, McIlroy snapped at a fan who was heckling him as he was about to hit his approach. His patience had run thin after constant heckling all morning.
After telling the fan to ‘shut up’ in no uncertain terms, McIlroy stuck it close, before Fleetwood sank the match-winning putt. It was a display of mental fortitude. The more intense the heckles got, the better McIlroy played.
He called winning an away Ryder Cup one of the greatest accomplishments in golf two years ago, and the crowd’s hostility towards McIlroy showed exactly why. He proved he was up to the challenge.
McIlroy was asked about the strength required to deal with the crowd after the match. He credited his relationship with Fleetwood.
He replied: “You do [have to be strong]. You have got to really just focus on the task at hand. I think in the team format, foursomes and four ball, you can stick with your partner, and it makes it a bit easier.”
That was likely the last time the pair will play together at this Ryder Cup. Going undefeated at yet another tournament, “Fleetwood Mac” proved themselves as one of the greatest pairings the sport has ever seen.
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood on their relationship with each other
Fleetwood was visibly emotional when he and McIlroy embraced at the end of their match. It could be the last time they ever play together at a Ryder Cup.
They have been the best partnership at the tournament, and Fleetwood explained that his friendship with the Grand Slam winner off the course helps their chemistry on the course.
He was asked what makes their partnership so successful, and he said, “It’s Rory McIlroy first. I can play from a lot of the places he hits it. We loved getting the chance to play together in Rome. Our games match really nicely.
“We are very close off the course, our families are so close. But I am just the lucky one who gets to play alongside Rory McIlroy in the foursomes and I’ll take that.”
McIlroy seconded those thoughts, singing the praises of his teammate. He added: “What Tommy just said is absolutely mutual and it’s an absolute pleasure to play alongside him.
“We had a great time in Rome and have been able to back that up with two great wins here. I’m excited with where our team is and we have to keep the foot down.”
If Europe goes on to win this Ryder Cup, Fleetwood and McIlroy will go down as legends of the competition.
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