Scottie Scheffler’s Dad Reacts To Rowdy Ryder Cup Atmosphere

Europe defeated the United States on its home soil at this year's Ryder Cup, becoming the first away team to win in over a decade. The European team proved their physical skill on the course, but their mental fortitude was also tested throughout the weekend.

The European players were heckled by American spectators throughout the tournament. The Ryder Cup is a great source of international pride for both teams, so good-natured competition is to be expected.

Unfortunately, European players and even their spouses were subject to abuse and other actions that crossed the line of sportsmanship. The situation at Bethpage Black in New York was so intense that a parent of the world's No. 1 player felt the need to intervene.

Scottie Scheffler's Dad Steps In

According to the Daily Mail, Scottie Scheffler's father Scott urged fans to "be nice" to Rory McIlroy, who was matched up with his son on the final day of the tournament.

Scott Scheffler reportedly spoke up after a fan screamed an expletive directly in McIlroy's face. The incident occured when the two players competed in a highly-anticipated singles pairing, following their incredible form throughout 2025.

Scheffler won both the PGA Championship and the Open Championship, while McIlroy won the Masters to finally complete the elusive career grand slam of major tournaments.

Both are among the most popular players in professional golf, but it was clear that the crowd in New York would not offer their support to the Europeans.

McIlroy was subject to insults and barbs from the crowd all weekend, some of which turned into speculation on his personal life. At one point, a crowd member appeared to throw a drink in his direction while he and his wife were walking on the course.

“What happened here this week is not acceptable,” McIlroy said after Team Europe clinched its victory on Sunday.

“I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf. I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week."

McIlroy's Triumph After Difficult Weekend

McIlroy and his teammate Shane Lowry received the most abuse from fans over the weekend, and were forced to retaliate with words of their own. Videos on social media have shown both players engaging with fans, at times requesting that they simply allow them to play without distractions.

"I was out there for two days with [Rory's wife] Erica McIlroy, and the amount of abuse that she received was astonishing," Lowry said after the event.

Scheffler, an Olympic gold medalist, issued a statement in which he called playing in the Ryder Cup "a great honor." He also made a point to congratulate Team Europe - a notable gesture after a weekend in which sportsmanship and camaraderie were not at the forefront.

The next Ryder Cup is set for Ireland in 2027. We'll see if fans follow suit in another continent with more rowdy behavior, or if fans in Europe choose to set a different example when it comes to their conduct as spectators.