Rory McIlroy Addresses Hostile Reception From New York Fans: "It Is What It Is"

Jun 17, 2026, 5:25 AM CUT

February 22, 2026, Pacific Palisades, California, USA: Rory McIlroy approaches hole 18th during Round 4 of the 2026 Genesis Invitational Golf Tournament on Sunday February 22, 2026 at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. JAVIER ROJAS/PI Pacific Palisades USA - ZUMAp124 20260222_zaa_p124_314 Copyright: xJavierxRojasx

The last time Rory McIlroy played in the 2025 Ryder Cup, the crowd of New York fans booed him and made rude gestures toward him. But two days before the U.S. Open, he said he had accepted it and moved on.

McIlroy spoke to reporters on Tuesday, June 16, before the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. A reporter asked him directly about the abuse and criticism he received from fans at the Ryder Cup last September at Bethpage Black.

"Look, I love playing around New York. I love playing in this area. It's got some of the best golf in the world," McIlroy said. "This is different, like the Ryder Cup is us versus them, very partisan; it's just a different beast. Was it a rough week for me at times? Absolutely. But it is what it is. If that's a price to pay to live the life that I'm living, then I'm okay with that."

Ryder Cup 2025 Matt Fitzpatrick lifting the trophy alongside, Captain Luke Donald, Shane Lowry, Rasmus Hojgaard, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, Robert MacIntyre, Ludvig Aberg, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland , Tommy Fleetwood and Sepp Straka of Team Europ after the Sunday Singles match at the 2025 Ryder Cup, Bethpage Black Golf Course, Farmingdale, New York, USA. 28/09/2025 Picture: Golffile Fran Caffrey All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit Golffile Fran Caffrey Copyright: xFranxCaffreyx *EDI*,

McIlroy became a target for some Bethpage fans after Europe took a 5½-2½ lead in the Ryder Cup.

The Bethpage incident made headlines last year. McIlroy told a fan to "shut the f--- up" before a shot during his Saturday round and was seen flipping off another fan the day before

However, this week has been very different for him. During his practice rounds at Shinnecock, fans welcomed McIlroy warmly, cheering his name from the tee boxes and showing their support throughout the course. Many also waited after his rounds to get autographs and interact with him.

"New York is New York, and they're going to make their voices heard, but that's a good thing," McIlroy said. "That's a good atmosphere to play in."

The Northern Irish professional golfer is now focusing on the tournament and has a chance to make more history.

Rory McIlroy Is Chasing His First U.S. Open Win Since 2011

A win this week would be the first time since 2014 that European players have won three major golf titles in the same year.

McIlroy is looking for his first U.S. Open title since 2011, when he won at Congressional Country Club. He missed the cut the last time the major was held at Shinnecock, in 2018.

McIlroy has had a remarkable start, successfully defending his Masters title in April and now preparing for the U.S. Open.

"Obviously a historic start to the major season for golfers from that part of the world," McIlroy said. "I would say this is more a UK/European style of test than certainly the first two majors at Augusta and Aronimink."

He described Shinnecock as a demanding test of every part of the game. "I think it's the best championship test in the country," he said.

Do you think Rory McIlroy can complete the European major sweep at Shinnecock Hills? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Ankita Yadav