As the golf world gears up for the 2021 Paris Olympics, the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National remains a fresh and sensitive topic – especially for the US team. 

But when Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry recently discussed the course conditions, their banter took an unexpected turn, leaving fans divided. 

What was meant as a lighthearted jab has sparked a social media backlash, with many accusing McIlroy of gloating. 

Kyle Porter of CBS shared a snap from the press conference on his X handle, where Rory McIlroy was asked about the rough at Le Golf National. 

McIlroy, never one to shy away from a witty remark, responded with a smirk, “Is the rough as thick as it was in 2018?” Shane Lowry chimed in, “Probably not as long.” 

McIlroy seized the opportunity, saying, “Ask the Americans. I wasn’t in it much that week.”  It left Lowry chuckling along poking fun at the US team’s misfortunes in the 2018 Ryder Cup. 

However, McIlroy’s playful jab at the American golf team backfired, with fans turning the tables on him. One agitated fan took a dig at McIlroy and commented, “0 Americans played that week and all 4 of them have won majors since his last. Loser.” https://twitter.com/KylePorterCBS/status/1818280939782611405 The Team US fan pointed out that Scottie Scheffler and three other American golfers weren’t even part of the 2018 Ryder Cup team. This comment was a jab at McIlroy’s major drought, as he hasn’t won a major since 2014, implying that the current American players are tougher and more successful than him. And to rub it in, these players have won majors since the 2018 Ryder Cup, while the Northern Irishman hasn’t. Moreover, they’re riding waves of success this year, with Scheffler boasting 6 wins, including the Masters, and Xander Schauffele claiming two major titles, including the recent Claret Jug victory. The social media backlash has left McIlroy’s lighthearted moment looking more like a misstep ahead of the Paris Olympics. Now, let’s take a look at how fans reacted to his ill-fated jab.

Rory McIlroy faces US fans fury

One fan took aim at Rory McIlroy’s comment, referencing his costly mistake at the 2024 U.S. Open: “That’s bold to say that after blowing a major missing 2 3-footers on the back 9.” McIlroy’s disappointing finish, which included missing a crucial three-footer, ultimately led to his defeat at the hands of new-circuit player, Bryson DeChambeau. To which another hurt user added, “Loser + 2 foot putt missed + bum”. At the 2024 Open Championship, where Rory McIlroy was the fan favorite, a US fan took a jab at his past struggles, commenting, “Ask him about the rough at Troon”. Little did they know, McIlroy’s tournament was about to take a turn for the worse. He carded a dismal 7-over-par 78 in the opening round, his worst start since 2019, and followed it up with a 4-over-par 75 in the second round, resulting in a disappointing missed cut. One fan took a jab at Rory McIlroy’s confidence, referencing his past loss to Bryson DeChambeau at the U.S. Open: “Rory, Bryson isn’t here this week. That’s gotta do wonders for the confidence?” 

The fan was haunting McIlroy with the memory of his defeat at the hands of the Scientist. And in a funny way implies that his confidence might be boosted by DeChambeau’s absence, as he wouldn’t have to face the player who had previously outperformed him in a high-stakes tournament. He went on to win his second U.S. Open title with a one-shot victory over McIlroy at Pinehurst No. 2, carding a 5-over 76. A user fired back at Rory McIlroy’s comments, saying, “Maybe Rory McIlroy and the rest of their gang should spend more time thinking about winning major championships then talking about a 6 year old Ryder Cup.”

He added a pointed photo of Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau holding their major trophies this year, driving home the message. Also reflecting a sentiment that the 35 year-old and his team should focus on their own performance and winning majors rather than dwelling on past Ryder Cup successes. The debate is heating up! What do you think? Should Rory McIlroy and his team focus on winning majors instead of dwelling on past Ryder Cup successes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

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Source: New York Post