New York State Police have increased their presence around the Rory McIlroy-Shane Lowry group, as the action on the course has become overshadowed by fan behavior.
The day hit a tipping point on the sixth hole when fans’ comments toward McIlroy caused him to step back from a shot, as he looked visibly frustrated after the constant jeering from the crowd.
A greater security presence has been around the group, with a strong showing of uniformed New York State Police officers looking on.
The NBC broadcast noted that the noise level from the crowd had quieted since the increase in officers.
ESPN reported that following his tee shot on the 11th hole, Shane Lowry had pointed to a fan in the crowd, and officers removed him.
Golf.com reported that the fan had said something as McIlroy was addressing his ball.
Reporter Kevin Van Valkenburg added that there were at least 30 officers around the Lowry-McIlroy pair.
On the video boards around the grounds, “Spectator Etiquette” notices have been flashed.
“Attendees consuming alcohol should do so in a responsible manner,” the notice read. “Overly intoxicated attendees will be removed from the premises.”
Golf Digest’s Joel Beall was walking with the group and reported that the insult that had been hurled at McIlroy included comments about “wife/family, Pinehurst, general ‘You Suck’ comments. Shane getting bombarded with weight jokes.”
Justin Thomas and Cam Young were playing against McIlroy and Lowry in the afternoon session, and the two American golfers were seen on the broadcast trying to quiet the crowd when McIlroy was hitting.
In a statement, the PGA of America confirmed that it had added extra security and police to Match 1, as well as the other matches going on, while adding that the “ frequency of fan behavior messaging on video boards across the golf course has increased.”
“We will continue to monitor fan behavior and take appropriate action,” the statement read.
McIlroy has been the focal point for ire from the American crowd at Bethpage.
He was seen giving a fan the middle finger on Friday and told fans to “shut the f–k up” during the morning session.
Europe led 8 1/2-3 1/2 over the United States going into the afternoon session, and McIlroy has played a large part in the European’s dominance over the Americans.
