Pallade Veneta - Ryder Cup start host steps down after expletive-filled McIlroy chant

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Ryder Cup start host steps down after expletive-filled McIlroy chant

SPORTS 28.09.2025

Ryder Cup start host steps down after expletive-filled McIlroy chant / Photo: Carl Recine - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

American comedian and actress Heather McMahan stepped down as Ryder Cup first tee master of ceremonies on Sunday and apologized for leading an expletive-lined chant on Saturday targeting Rory McIlroy.

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The PGA of America announced on Sunday that McMahan would not be back at the starting complex ahead of Sunday's concluding singles matches at Bethpage Black.

Social media videos caught the crude chants over the microphone aimed at McIlroy, who needed extra police protection Saturday during a four-ball match after hecklers began over-the-top insults and putt-disrupting yells, prompting the world number two golfer to curse at them in response.

"Heather McMahan has extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup," the PGA of America said in a statement.

A message on "spectator etiquette" was shown on videoboards across the course, but the biggest quieter for Europe was in-play, where the visitors took a record 11.5-4.5 lead after pairs play, setting them on track to win the Cup for the 11th time in 15 meetings.

R.Zaccone--PV

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