Robert MacIntyre was subjected to a barrage of heckles from the Bethpage Black galleries on Friday as Team Europe narrowly missed out on a perfect start to the Ryder Cup.
The Scottish left-hander was paired with Viktor Hovland in the morning foursomes, a pairing that looked poised to deliver Europe a stunning 4-0 sweep before a late American rally turned the tide.
The duo had fought back impressively from three down after 11 holes to level the match, only for Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay to take the final two holes and secure a 2&0 victory for the USA.
It was on the penultimate hole that the atmosphere reached its most hostile.
As MacIntyre stood over his tee shot on 17, the partisan crowd unleashed a string of taunts.
One spectator was heard shouting “you b*****d w****r” as the Scot pulled away from his shot.
Earlier in the round, he had been told to “do some cardio” and was mockingly asked whether he had “ever been for a run” – jibes clearly aimed at his physique.
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Robert MacIntyre was subjected to cruel taunts at the Ryder Cup
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The abuse added to the drama of what was already a tense match.
Europe, who had won the other three matches of the morning session thanks to victories from Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, and Ludvig Åberg alongside Matt Fitzpatrick, had been on the brink of their first-ever opening-session whitewash on US soil.
Spectators at Bethpage Black are known for being rather boisterous
|REUTERS
MacIntyre, 29, appeared unfazed by the hostile atmosphere in his post-round comments, even playing down the significance of US President Donald Trump’s presence at Bethpage.
Trump attended the opening day in a high-security visit that has drawn major attention.
“It’s just another spectator,” MacIntyre said.
“I just play golf. I’m not bright enough, for one, to be worrying about politics.
Robert MacIntyre embraces Xander Schauffele at the Ryder Cup
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“I’m worrying more about what goes on this week on the golf course. As a European, we’ve got a job to do to try and compete as hard as we can and hopefully win the Ryder Cup.”
MacIntyre has been an important figure for Europe since making his debut in Rome two years ago, going unbeaten across three sessions to help Luke Donald’s team reclaim the trophy.
The Scot will likely be called upon again later in the week as Europe look to maintain their edge, but Friday morning’s defeat was a stark reminder of the challenge posed by a hostile American crowd and a motivated US team eager to hit back.
Europe still finished the morning 3-1 ahead, but the missed opportunity to make history will sting. MacIntyre and Hovland will be eager to regroup quickly and silence the New York jeers when they next take to the course.