Rory McIlroy experienced the “worst” fan treatment despite winning the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black last year. But was the fans’ behavior at the 2026 Genesis Invitational any different?

After he tied for the second spot at Riviera, McIlroy acknowledged that the fans were trying to drag him to victory. Even though Jacob Bridgeman won the tournament, he garnered slightly less support than McIlroy. 

Talking to the media after finishing the final round at the Genesis Invitational, McIlroy admitted, “I think it's completely different, right, playing in a team setting and playing against the United States of America compared to -- I tried to take the treatment a little bit like a compliment, as if they saw me as a threat and they were trying to get to me.” 

“The support that I usually get week in and week out on the PGA TOUR is absolutely amazing, and I certainly don't take it for granted,” he continued. “Today was no different.”

But when it comes to the treatment he received at Bethpage Black, McIlroy was left with nothing but disappointment. 

Rory McIlroy called out the crowd at Bethpage Black

After the European team beat the American team by 15-13 on Long Island, Rory McIlroy knew he got the last laugh. But his take on the fans’ behavior remained critical. 

“I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week. Golf has the ability to unite people,” the world number two told the media post his Ryder Cup win. “It teaches you how to respect people. This week, we didn’t see that. This should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup.”

There were police and security all around them. And there was no way things could have escalated into a physical altercation. However, the language that certain fans used was “unacceptable.” 

Even Erica McIlroy, the golfer’s wife, wasn’t safe. As the couple walked to the 17th fairway to cheer on the groups behind and celebrate the win with European fans, Erica got hit with a beer. Fortunately, it glanced off her hat. 

“It was a rough week for all of us,” he said. “But at the same time, we shut them up by our performance and how we played. I chirped back a few times because it got to me a few times. But we tried to handle everything that came our way with class and poise. And for the most part, I felt like we did that.”

Nevertheless, McIlroy welcomed the supportive Riviera crowd and contrasted it with the hostility he faced at Bethpage Black. He reaffirmed his expectation for respectful fan behavior.

Read more at Daily Club Golf!

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Joyita Das