Rory McIlroy clashed with a fan on Sunday during the final round of the US PGA Championship, as chanting from the gallery once again drew his ire. The Northern Irishman was among the challengers on the final day but found heavy rough on the 16th hole as his bid for victory faded. His next shot rebounded into a bunker, although he managed to par the hole.
Incident on the 16th Hole
After playing out of the rough, McIlroy exchanged words with a fan who shouted “USA.” On the CBS broadcast, McIlroy could be heard telling the fan to “shut the f*** up” before pointing them out to security. McIlroy did not comment on the incident after his round, instead focusing on missed opportunities during the tournament.
McIlroy Reflects on Missed Chances
“I think not birdieing the two par-fives and making the bogey at the drivable par-four 13th,” McIlroy said. “To me, I felt like I played the golf I needed to play the rest of the way. If I birdied the two par-fives and turned that five into a three on 13, the day looks very different.”
Previous Run-ins with US Fans
McIlroy has had repeated run-ins with US fans, notably during last year’s Ryder Cup. His wife was hit by a beer thrown from the galleries, and McIlroy was subjected to abuse throughout that tournament.
Successful Spell Despite Blemish
Sunday’s incident was a minor blemish on what has been a successful period for McIlroy. He ended the tournament tied for seventh, earning $637,050, and retained his Masters title last month. The tournament was won by England’s Aaron Rai, becoming the first English golfer to win the US PGA Championship since 1919.
