Rory McIlroy slammed for Erica Stoll decision as Ryder Cup behaviour verdict given

The 2025 Ryder Cup delivered edge-of-your-seat drama as Team Europe edged to a 15-13 victory over the USA, but the event was marred by controversy and rowdy fan behaviour

Rory McIlroy was at the centre of a storm throughout the Ryder Cup(Image: Getty Images)

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black served up nail-biting drama as Team Europe held onto their crown with a hard-fought 15-13 triumph. They just barely escaped a dramatic late fightback from Team USA, who dominated singles Sunday, but couldn’t quite snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Rory McIlroy found himself in the eye of the hurricane, his fiery behaviour – including shouting “f*** off” at a heckler – generating both applause and criticism. Further drama unfolded when McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, found herself targeted by the hostile New York atmosphere during the mayhem.

As the dust settles on one of the tightest and most thrilling Ryder Cups in recent history, Mirror Sport is gathering the latest developments from the golfing world.

Erica Stoll criticism

The Ryder Cup’s charged environment turned nasty when Erica was hit by a beer cup thrown from the spectators on the tournament’s second day. The incident, which happened during Saturday’s afternoon fourballs, prompted immediate criticism from McIlroy, who lashed out at the Bethpage Black gallery, believing they had crossed the line.

However, some remarkably criticised McIlroy for inviting Stoll to the event in the first place. Baseball Hall of Famer Chipper Jones entered the debate on X, slamming the Masters champion for putting his family in harm’s way amongst New York’s infamously unruly sporting supporters.

Reflecting on his own 19-year stint with the Atlanta Braves, Jones wrote, “AT NO TIME in 2 decades was my family EVER allowed to go to a game in NY. What do u expect to happen? Is it right? No! But when u are public enemy #1….expect to be treated harshly.”

McIlroy, remaining composed, hailed Stoll as “a very strong woman” who dealt with the situation with dignity, whilst team-mate Shane Lowry described the abuse faced by the Europeans as “astonishing”.

Meanwhile, Jones faced a furious online backlash, with supporters labelling his comments “outrageous” and a “bum opinion.”

Rory McIlroy’s decision to bring wife Erica Stoll to the Ryder Cup has been slammed(Image: Getty Images)

Ryder Cup apology issued

Following the Ryder Cup’s poisonous atmosphere, golfing legend Tom Watson came forward with a sincere apology for the American spectators’ “rude and mean-spirited behaviour.”

The eight-time major champion and former US Ryder Cup Captain voiced his embarrassment, declaring: “As a former player, Captain, and as an American, I am ashamed of what happened.”

Tom Watson says he was embarrassed by many of the home supporters at Bethpage Black(Image: Getty Images)

Watson’s mea culpa contrasted sharply with Keegan Bradley, Team USA’s 2025 Captain, who played down the mayhem, describing the New York crowd as “pretty good” whilst only admitting that “a few people… cross the line.”

McIlroy, who found himself at the centre of much of the controversy, reinforced demands for better behaviour. “Golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week,” he declared, condemning the “unacceptable and abusive” remarks from a small but vocal group.

Alfred Dunhill Links names confirmed

Four of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars are making their way to the home of golf for the forthcoming Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, which gets underway on Thursday.

Tyrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick and Bob MacIntyre have all been announced for the tournament. Multi-time major champions including Brooks Koepka, Bubba Watson, Padraig Harrington and Dustin Johnson are also taking part, as is former Masters champion Danny Willett.

Tommy Fleetwood is one of four European Ryder Cup winners taking part in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

The Dunhill Links’ trademark pro-am format also delivers a touch of celebrity glamour, with tennis legend Andy Murray, cricket icon Kevin Pietersen and Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas all confirmed to tee off.

Since launching in 2001, the tournament has moved between three legendary Scottish courses – The Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie Golf Links, and Kingsbarns Golf Links – with St Andrews hosting this year’s action.

Conspicuously missing from the field is McIlroy, who has been runner-up on three occasions but remains without the trophy. He’ll be watching from afar alongside fellow Ryder Cup stars Lowry and Viktor Hovland, both previous competitors in the tournament.

Donald keeping options open

Europe’s Ryder Cup mastermind Luke Donald is playfully considering the possibility of a third captaincy, declining to “rule out” another tenure despite officially stepping down at the weekend.

Speaking following the victory, the Englishman suggested he’d be receptive to a comeback, but stopped short of making any promises. “I’m never going to rule out now a third Ryder Cup captaincy,” he told Sky Sports.

“But I need time to process. Like everyone, I need to time to go into detail about what the challenge is, what lies ahead. But obviously, a lot of people thought I was crazy going second time around. Everything went well in Rome, why not walk away a winner? But obviously I’ve now won home and away, that’s pretty special.”

When asked what would prevent him from returning for a third tournament, Donald said: “I haven’t really thought about it to be honest. I want to enjoy the moment… we might be celebrating this one for a while.”

Donald became the first skipper to secure consecutive Ryder Cup triumphs since Tony Jacklin managed the achievement in the 1980s, guiding Europe to success in 1985 and 1987 before holding onto the trophy once more in 1989 following a tie.

The 47-year-old’s non-committal position brings an element of mystery to the 2027 competition, which will be held at Adare Manor in Co. Limerick, Ireland. Although speculation about potential replacements has started to emerge, Donald’s uncertainty ensures he remains very much in contention.