McIlroy clashes with fan at US PGA after USA chant

Rory McIlroy confronted a spectator during the final round of the US PGA Championship on Sunday after another “USA” chant from the gallery provoked his anger.

McIlroy, in contention on the final day, landed in thick rough on the 16th hole as his victory bid faltered. His subsequent shot rebounded into a bunker, though he managed a par.

He exchanged words with a fan who yelled “USA” after he played from the rough. The tournament was won by England’s Aaron Rai.

On the CBS broadcast, McIlroy was heard telling the fan to “shut the fuck up” before pointing him out to security. McIlroy declined to comment on the incident after his round, instead lamenting missed opportunities.

“I think not birdieing the two par-fives and making the bogey at the drivable par-four 13th,” McIlroy said. “To me, I felt like I played the golf I needed to play the rest of the way. If I birdied the two par-fives and turned that five into a three on 13, the day looks very different.”

McIlroy has had repeated confrontations with American fans, notably during last year’s Ryder Cup. His wife was struck by a beer thrown from the galleries, and McIlroy faced sustained abuse throughout that tournament.

Sunday’s incident was a minor blemish on an otherwise successful stretch for McIlroy. He finished tied for seventh at the US Open, earning $637,050, and secured his second consecutive Masters title last month.