Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll performed a defiant chant after receiving “astonishing” abuse during the Ryder Cup this weekend.
During the team’s extravagant celebrations, “He’s in your head… Rory, Rory, Rory” can be heard, to the tune of ‘Zombie’ by the Cranberries.
The pair are seen passionately joining in, with Stoll clutching a glass of champagne and McIlroy the famous trophy.
The couple were sitting down on the team bus, belting out the lyrics in a clear act of defiance against the vile abuse both had received during a difficult weekend.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
Stoll is even said to have broken down in tears after day two of the tournament.
While it ended in jubilant scenes, the ugly side of golf reared its head throughout the Ryder Cup, most notably home fans hurling abuse towards European players.
McIlroy and Stoll suffered the most, with the Northern Irishman retaliating towards the fans on the course, demanding they “shut the f*** up” before a shot.
It wasn’t just the home fans, but even the first tee emcee, Heather McMahan, who was forced to quit her role at the tournament and issue an apology to the 36-year-old after she encouraged the crowd to chant “F*** you Rory!”
Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll have performed a defiant chant after receiving 'astonishing' abuse during the Ryder Cup this weekend
|X
At one point, McIlroy even refused to putt for over four minutes until the boisterous home crowd settled.
McIlroy and the European team were able to settle their nerves, despite a late onslaught from the hosts, to taste Ryder Cup victory on foreign soil for the first time since 2012.
The pair can be heard passionately singing “He’s in your head… Rory, Rory, Rory”, to the tune of ‘Zombie’ by the Cranberries
|X
But it wasn’t just those competing that suffered from the vile abuse, with McIlroy’s wife Erica often the butt of the joke.
The 38-year-old could even be seen getting hit on the head by a flailing beer, directed at her by a member of the home support.
JUST IN: Matt Beard cause of death confirmed as former Liverpool boss found hanged at home
Erica Stoll was said to have been left in tears following a tumultuous day two of the Ryder Cup
| GETTYAnd after the victory, team captain Justin Rose praised Stoll for her resilience throughout the weekend.
“I actually had no idea that Erica had a beer thrown at her yesterday,” Rose admitted. “So fair play to Erica, she didn't bring that to the team room, we didn't make that a big deal.
“It's news to me, which says a lot about the strength of Erica and everybody in this team today.”
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Shane Lowry, whose crucial putt against Russell Henley in the 18th retained the title for Team Europe, added: “I was out there for two days with Erica McIlroy, and the amount of abuse that she received was astonishing.
“The way she was out there supporting her husband and supporting her team was unbelievable, and kudos to her for that.”
McIlroy himself confirmed his wife’s wellbeing, and condemned the abuse suffered on the weekend: “Erica is fine. She is a very, very strong woman.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
“I was out there for two days with Erica McIlroy and the amount of abuse she received was astonishing.”
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) September 29, 2025
Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Shane Lowry comment on the beer throwing incident from Saturday. https://t.co/L4Tdl7txeb pic.twitter.com/H22LipW4Os
“She handled everything this week with poise and dignity like she always has and I love her, and we're going to have a good time celebrating tonight.
“I think if I was an American, I would be annoyed. I didn't hear a lot of shouts for Scottie [Scheffler] today, but I heard a lot of shouts against me. Support your players. That's the thing.”
McIlroy and Stoll appeared stronger than ever despite the abuse, with the pair packing on the PDA throughout the celebrations.
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll looked stronger than ever after the historic victory
|REUTERS
It hasn’t always been plain-sailing for the couple, however. McIlroy filed for divorce in May 2024, citing their marriage as "irretrievably broken".
The golfer dramatically withdrew this just weeks later, though, with the couple resolving their differences and committing to a fresh start together.
McIlroy has described their near-divorce as a "wake-up call", telling reporters: "Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised our best future was as a family together."
The couple's relationship began as a friendship in 2012 when Stoll, then a PGA transport official, helped McIlroy reach a tournament on time after he overslept.
They became romantically involved in 2014 following his split from Wozniacki, marrying at Ireland's Ashford Castle in 2017 and welcoming daughter Poppy in 2020.