THE ringleader of the vile chants aimed at Rory McIlroy during the Ryder Cup has reportedly lost her job.
Heather McMahan, an American actress and comedian, stepped down from her role as first tee MC after leading chants of “f*** you Rory” on Saturday.
McMahan is said to have apologised to McIlroy for whipping up the toxic atmosphere[/caption]
Despite the relentless abuse, McIlroy and Team Europe stormed to a commanding 11.5-4.5 lead going into the final day at Bethpage Black.
Tensions boiled over during the afternoon fourballs match, when McIlroy twice refused to play a shot in his and Shane Lowry’s victory over Justin Thomas and Cameron Young.
According to the Sports Business Journal, 38-year-old McMahan has now relinquished her MC position.
MCs are expected to remain neutral and uphold sportsmanship, especially at high-profile events like the Ryder Cup.
McMahan had originally been expected to rally the crowd in support of American star Bryson DeChambeau but instead led the crowd in the offensive chant targeting McIlroy.
The PGA reportedly confirmed that McMahan has since apologized to McIlroy for her actions.
While McMahan is not a sports figure, she is an established entertainer with two comedy specials on Netflix and Hulu and hosts the “Absolutely Not” podcast, which she describes as a “safe space to tell-all and b*** about the rest.”
Her connection to golf comes through her husband, Jeff Daniels, a keen golfer, and she has called herself a “golf widow.”
The chanting took a toll on McIlroy throughout the day.
He stepped away from his shot twice at the sixth hole, enduring boos before waiting four minutes for the atmosphere to calm enough to play.
He eventually made par from 34 feet, and several disruptive spectators were removed from the event.
Team Europe captain Luke Donald accused the crowd of “crossing the line,” as new footage surfaced showing McMahan leading the chant earlier that day.
McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, was also targeted, branded a “w****” by some fans while someone said a drink had been thrown at her.
McIlroy also faced insults accusing him of “playing like a wet fart” and being a “choker.”
At one point, McIlroy snapped back, telling spectators to “shut the f*** up” during his foursomes victory with Tommy Fleetwood, after being interrupted on the 16th hole.
The duo sealed a 3&2 win over Collin Morikawa and Harris English, maintaining their perfect Ryder Cup record as a team.
Security was increased throughout the day to manage the crowd, with supporters reminded on big screens to maintain proper behavior.
In more Ryder Cup drama, Bryson DeChambeau blew a fuse as the US lost their heads and probably the Ryder Cup – on a chaotic day at Bethpage Black.
How to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup
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THE 45th Ryder Cup takes place from September 26-28 with the US team desperate to wrestle back the crown from Europe.
Scottie Scheffler and the American side will battle Rory McIlroy’s European team in New York.
The infamous Bethpage Black course will be the venue for the latest edition of the pulsating golf tournament.
NBC will broadcast the competition in it’s entirety in the United States.
Friday’s foursomes and fourballs will be live on USA Network from 7 am ET to 6 pm ET.
Saturday’s action will take place during the same hours live on NBC.
And Sunday’s singles will also be on NBC from 12 pm ET to 6 pm ET.
Fans can sign up to Fubo TV by CLICKING HERE and watch the Ryder Cup through NBC’s channels.
