Rory McIlroy and hecklers have a long history. Remember the 2016 incident when he and Justin Rose invited a fan to putt and the duo lost out on the bet? It’s a bit different this time around. The Northern Irishman was spotted at the Old Course on Le Golf National by his fans when a certain person from the crowd started heckling. Well, it’s not as if the golfer was one to listen to everything and walk away.

A video of the same was shared by NUCLR GOLF on its X handle. It showcased a fan shouting in fervor at the athlete on the short par-4, 18th, “New York loves you. Miami, Florida. The Bronx baby, the Bronx.” His reply? “You’re not gonna love us next year,” fired back McIlroy while alluding to the 2025 Ryder Cup.

The Ryder Cup next year will take place at Bethpage Black. On foreign soil, McIlroy and the European team will attempt to defend their title against the American team. Moreover, the fact that the golfer’s team has won 10 out of the last 14 editions does hint at a possible frustration brewing in the hearts of American fans. Regardless, although the future prediction raked in applause at Le Golf National, it wasn’t the case online, as many seemed upset with his response.

Netizens fail to find amusement in Rory McIlroy’s reply

The 35-year-old was leading the scoreboard at a point in time at the 2024 U.S. Open. However, two missed putts inside four feet at the final three holes at Pinehurst No. 2 cost him his fifth major title victory, which was close at hand. A couple of fans alluded to the missed shots that resulted in three bogeys in his last four holes, especially those at the par-4, 16th, and the par-4, 18th, to take a jab at the golfer: “Definitely not giving Rory any 2 footers next year. He has to putt those out.,” and “The way Rory putts I see little concern..”

The close encounter with a possible major victory caused Rory McIlroy to experience yet another loss at the prestigious events. It became the 11th time since his 2014 PGA Championship win that he finished inside the top-5 at a major championship, not to mention it being his fourth runner-up placement. This caused another set of followers to dish out similar responses, including “I don’t want to hear any more sob stories about feeling sorry for Rory. Biggest choke artist in golf,” and “The guy really really needs to just focus on his game. Reason 100 why he won’t win another major.”

The European team, on the other hand, has not won a Ryder Cup on American soil since the one they were able to clinch back in 2012 at the Medinah. The team back then had shot past the U.S. squad to win the biennial event with figures of 14.5–13.5. A follower hinted at how such a win wouldn’t be possible with the kind of fans heckling at the golfer and his team at the upcoming event in 2025: “Rory will be crying when he experiences the pro-USA crowds at Bethpage Black for the Ryder Cup.”

Well, the golfing community was able to witness a small sneak peek of the upcoming Ryder Cup rivalry, despite it being the iconic Olympics. But will Rory McIlroy be able to stay true to his words and help Luke Donald clinch the Cup again? His fans can only wait in anticipation!