Unruly fan behavior was the talk of this year’s Ryder Cup, after several European golfers, including Rory McIlroy, were subjected to intense heckling from the American crowd at Bethpage Black in New York.
While Europe ultimately came out on top on Sunday, lifting the Ryder Cup once again, the atmosphere was overshadowed by heated exchanges between players and the gallery.
McIlroy in particular bore the brunt of expletive-laden chants, even refusing to putt on Saturday until fans quieted down.
Now, golf influencer Paige Spiranac has weighed in, calling out what she sees as a growing issue across all sports.
Paige Spiranac calls out ‘toxic’ atmosphere at Ryder Cup
Taking on X, Spiranac wrote that while she wasn’t shocked by what unfolded in New York, it highlights a much bigger problem in fan culture.
“I’m sadly not shocked by the fan behavior at the Ryder Cup because it’s become the norm at most sporting events and in my opinion it needs to change across all sports,” she explained.
Spiranac recalled her own recent experience at a football game, where a drunk man in front of her hurled abuse at players and fans, spilled drinks, and even tried to start fights.
"I was at a football game recently and this man in front of me was disgustingly drunk, yelling the most vile s*** to players and opposing fans in the stands, spilling his drink everywhere, wanting to fight people, and it completely ruined the experience for me and everyone around him," she wrote.
According to her, the man’s young nephew copied his behavior (shouting the same insults) while the family laughed.
"What was interesting was that his young (maybe 7 years old) nephew was right next to him listening to everything.
"At one point the kid started copying him and was yelling the same things and the family was laughing."
“This behavior is taught,” she wrote on X.
Her comments struck a chord with many golf fans, who agreed that the Ryder Cup had tipped from passionate to hostile, especially toward Europe’s star man McIlroy.
Fans debate where to draw the line at sporting events
While Spiranac made clear she’s not against spirited support, she believes too many fans are crossing a line.
“I’m not saying you have to sit quietly,” she added.
“You can have passion, chirp, have fun banter, enjoy yourself at the event or game, but there’s a line and it’s crossed so many times now.”
The debate over behavior at the Ryder Cup isn’t new.
Bethpage Black already has a reputation for rowdy crowds during majors.
For many, it’s part of the charm of New York golf.
But Spiranac and others argue that the heckling went beyond banter this time, especially with how it disrupted play.
Despite the controversy, Europe’s players had the last laugh, clinching another historic victory.
But Spiranac’s comments have sparked fresh discussion over how golf (traditionally seen as a quieter sport) balances crowd passion with respect for players.
With McIlroy already looking ahead to the next Ryder Cup in Ireland in 2027, it’s likely this debate won’t go away anytime soon.