Ryder Cup emcee apologizes to Rory McIlroy, steps down after encouraging derogatory chants
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — The emcee on the first tee for the 2025 Ryder Cup has stepped down after encouraging the crowd in making derogatory comments toward Rory McIlroy on Saturday morning.
Heather McMahan, a comedian and actress, is seen on video saying, “F–k you, Rory,” as the crowd on the first tee started chanting before play began Saturday at Bethpage Black.
The PGA of America said in a release, “Heather has extended an apology to Rory Mcllroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup.”
McMahan drew criticism from numerous people on social media and at the Ryder Cup, who said she failed to hype up the crowd and was not good at her job. Former PGA Tour player Rich Beem, speaking on Sky Sports after play concluded Saturday, called out McMahan and said it was a poor decision hiring her an an emcee.
On what was a dominant day for the Europeans, crowd behavior overshadowed any play on the golf course, with McIlroy and partner Shane Lowry being the main culprits. In their afternoon four-ball match, both players stepped off shots multiple times as fans hurled expletive insults their way. McIlroy and Lowry got the last laugh, however, winning their match 1 up.
On Sunday, McIlroy faces off against world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in singles. Scheffler is 0-4 in the Ryder Cup while McIlroy is 3-0-1.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Ryder Cup emcee steps down after derogatory chants at Rory McIlroy
