Team Europe were left amused earlier this week after a cheeky heckle aimed at Rory McIlroy went viral, setting the tone for a lively opening to the 2025 Ryder Cup.
The Northern Irishman was seen in practice trying to fasten the top button of his polo shirt when a fan shouted: “You don’t need a button to choke, Rory.”
His remark drew laughter from the surrounding crowd, but it also prompted smiles from McIlroy and his European team-mates who appeared to enjoy the moment rather than be unsettled by it.
The Ryder Cup returns to American soil this week at the famous Bethpage Black course in New York, where Europe will try to defend the trophy they won so convincingly in Rome two years ago.
The event is known for its unique atmosphere, and the practice rounds have already provided a flavour of what to expect when play begins.
McIlroy, making his eighth appearance at the tournament, has been preparing for the intense crowd environment in an unusual way.
Earlier this month, he revealed that Europe had used virtual reality headsets to replicate the noise and heckling that players will face.
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Team Europe were left amused earlier this week after a cheeky heckle aimed at Rory McIlroy went viral, setting the tone for a lively opening to the 2025 Ryder Cup
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“It is just to simulate the sights and sounds and noise,” McIlroy explained ahead of the BMW PGA Championship.
“That’s the stuff that we are going to have to deal with, so it’s better to try to desensitise yourself before you get in there.
“You can get them to say whatever you want them to say. You can make it as close to the bone as you like.”
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Best cat call so far this week and rightfully acknowledged by Team Europe. pic.twitter.com/zs24Y5fqvz
— Gary Williams (@Garywilliams1Up) September 25, 2025
Jon Rahm, one of Europe’s leading players, has also been targeted by fans this week, but he was able to laugh off the comments.
The Spaniard revealed that someone referenced his recent weight loss by shouting about Ozempic, the diabetes drug that has become widely associated with weight-loss trends.
“Yeah, first shot in the practice rounds,” Rahm said. “I don’t know exactly what he said, but I think it was something like, ‘Hey Rahm, where’s the Ozempic?’ It was funny.”
Crowd participation has always been a key feature of the Ryder Cup, but Bethpage Black is famous for its partisan and vocal galleries.
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Rory McIlroy will be hoping to inspire Team Europe to victory at the Ryder Cup
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Organisers are expecting some of the most passionate scenes in the tournament’s history, and the American supporters will look to give Keegan Bradley’s team every possible edge.
Europe, captained by Luke Donald, appear ready for the challenge. Rather than being rattled by the early barbs, McIlroy and his team-mates seemed to enjoy the theatre of it all.
The goal now will be to channel that energy and silence the home crowd by making a fast start when the foursomes begin on Friday morning.
McIlroy is expected to play a key role for Europe as they chase a first victory on US soil since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012.
