McIlroy Celebrates Title with Team Europe

Irish golf star Rory McIlroy led Team Europe to a 15-13 victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup and celebrated wildly with his teammates after a bitter experience with American fans who targeted him and threw a drink can at his wife Erica, causing her to cry.

McIlroy received much sympathy, but American baseball legend Larry “Chipper” Jones criticized him, tweeting: “Hi, my name is Chipper Jones and I played 12 to 15 games every season in New York over 20 years, many times in the preseason, but I never brought my family to a game in New York. What did you expect? Was the crowd’s behavior right? No, but you’re the number one public enemy, so expect harsh treatment. I would never expose my wife and kids to such situations. What happened is unfair—but it’s the reality of New York, and in response, Team Europe delivered a top performance.”

Jones’ tweet went viral, seen by two million users on X platform, and most criticized the bold tweet. Comments included: “This is a shocking tweet, I’ve attended countless Cowboys games in Midland and no one ever threw a drink can at me, this behavior doesn’t always happen in New York,” and “The behavior of these fans must be condemned, no one can accept this just because it’s New York City.”

McIlroy joked with American fans on Thursday during practice, but once the tournament began at Bethpage, the joking turned into fights and insults. McIlroy told fans on Saturday, “Guys, shut up.” Additional security was added and some fans were ejected, but the attacks on the five-time major champion continued. His wife cried, and when he comforted her, someone threw a drink can at her hat.