Less than a year after being relentlessly heckled on Long Island by American golf fans, Rory McIlroy heard the jeers and taunts lobbed his way again. But this time, when he clapped back, he was praised.
McIlroy had a tough time at Shinnecock Hills during this year’s US Open, finishing tied for 32nd at six-over. He especially struggled in his final two rounds, carding three-over 73’s in the third and fourth rounds.
But while his game may have lacked, his comebacks certainly didn’t as McIlroy returned a fan’s taunts.
After hitting a tee shot during Saturday’s third round, a fan was heard screaming ‘Get in the bunker!’ over and over again. ‘I hope you live there today!’ the fan added as he yelled at the reigning Masters winner.
McIlroy walked back to his bag and turned in his driver before facing the fan and making a gesture to indicate the heckler had a large belly. The native of County Down extended two hands in front of his stomach in a mocking gesture.
Unlike at the Ryder Cup, where McIlroy was relentlessly mocked by boorish American fans, these fans at Shinnecock roared their approval.
Rory McIlroy wasn’t afraid to clap back at hecklers during the US Open on Long Island
After one heckler shouted out at him, McIlroy pointed out the size of the fan’s belly
The reigning Masters Champion finished tied for 32nd at Shinnecock Hills this weekend
Commenters on social media also shared their enjoyment of the roast from McIlroy.
‘Lowkey hilarious comeback,’ one person posted to X.
Another said, ‘Well done Rory. Own that stupid fat American.’
Many other commenters believed that the heckler should have been removed from the tournament.
‘Just throw these yelling losers out. Totally ruin the vibe,’ said one user.
After his tough outing, McIlroy revealed that he would skip the upcoming Travelers Championship in Connecticut – one of the final Designated Events of the year – in order to better prepare for the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
‘I’ll be playing some links golf this week probably coming up,’ McIlroy said.
‘It’s my favorite time of the year to go back home and play, play the Open, and I get to spend a bit of time back there.’
