Rory McIlroy was once again the focus of hostile treatment from sections of the Bethpage Black crowd on Sunday, as fan behaviour remained a talking point during the final day of the Ryder Cup.
The four-time major champion, who had been jeered and targeted throughout the first two days of competition, was met with fresh chants on the first green of his singles match against Scottie Scheffler.
Some spectators could be heard shouting “Amanda! Amanda!” – a reference to CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis.
The chants appeared to allude to unsubstantiated online rumours that circulated last year when McIlroy briefly filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll.
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Those rumours were never confirmed, and there has never been any suggestion of a relationship between McIlroy and Balionis, who is married to NFL broadcaster Bryn Renner.
McIlroy and Stoll reconciled last year and called off their divorce, with Erica present at Bethpage Black to support her husband over the weekend.
The treatment of the 36-year-old has been one of the major off-course narratives of the 2025 Ryder Cup.
JUST IN: Rory McIlroy sensationally BLAMED after wife Erica Stoll abused by fans at Ryder Cup
Rory McIlroy was once again the focus of hostile treatment from sections of the Bethpage Black crowd on Sunday, as fan behaviour remained a talking point during the final day of the Ryder Cup
|REUTERS/GETTY
On Saturday evening, reports circulated on social media alleging that a drink had been thrown in the direction of McIlroy and Stoll as they left the 18th green following a tense finish to the day’s play.
McIlroy, visibly frustrated, responded to hecklers by blowing kisses at the crowd and telling some to “shut up” as tensions boiled over.
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US fans chanting “Amanda! Amanda!” At Rory while he’s over his putt on the first. The abuse aimed at him has been relentless this week
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) September 28, 2025
pic.twitter.com/JGeu5HtcGW
The incident capped a hostile second day that saw extra security brought in and several spectators ejected for abusive behaviour.
Speaking earlier in the week, European captain Luke Donald admitted that preparing his players for the New York atmosphere had been one of his biggest challenges, even employing virtual-reality simulations and actors to mimic hostile crowds in practice sessions.
Whatever reception McIlroy received on Sunday, it did little to change the wider picture.
Europe began the final session with a commanding 12-5 lead and required just 2.5 points to retain the trophy.
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Rory McIlroy consoled wife Erica Stoll after she was targeted by fans at the Ryder Cup | REUTERSUnder Ryder Cup rules, half a point was shared between the sides after Viktor Hovland withdrew from singles due to a neck injury, with Harris English named as the American player in the envelope.
Team USA were left needing a near-miracle to avoid a heavy home defeat, while Europe were on the brink of clinching their first victory on American soil since the “Miracle of Medinah” in 2012.
As play continues, Ryder Cup organisers are expected to review crowd control measures after what has been one of the most raucous – and, at times, controversial – atmospheres in recent memory.
It has, however, made for quite the spectacle so far.