Rory McIlroy is a name usually associated with all good things, whether with the fans or on the course. Well, of course, he was doing everything correctly until he made a surprising gesture that no one expected from him. It came out after the noisy fans at Bethpage Black left the Northern Irishman furious.

Sean Zak, writer at GOLF.COM, posted a video on X where McIlroy, after completing the hole, was walking back. But suddenly, he turned around and flipped the bird at the spectators. The unexpected reaction from the golfer has left the golf fans furious with his move.

Sharing about his move further, Zak wrote, “I’m sure whatever was said to him was far worse than this gesture … but the Ryder Cup is starting to pop off.” After McIlroy and Lowry re-established their two-up lead by winning the par-4 11th, the World No. 2 responded unexpectedly. Interestingly, McIlroy has recently spoken about his audience engagement.

He said, “I feel at times in the Ryder Cup, I have engaged too much with that, too much with the crowd.” Now, after this scenario with a loud and rowdy crowd supporting the home team, the golfer would strike to create a balance with the crowd. However, with his move on the green, a spree of comments has started judging his actions.

Fans furious after McIlroy’s unacceptable move

After the video went live, fans and even experts have to share their opinion on McIlroy’s move.

One fan suggested, “Suspend him from the next 3 Ryder Cups!” According to the Code of Behaviour, players who engage in physical or verbal abuse may be disqualified or banned from the tournament. But this rule falls under the PGA Tour, not the Ryder Cup. Interestingly, in the past as well, there has been no suspension.

Another added, “Little man syndrome.” Rory McIlroy has been called out as “little baby” or “immature little baby” due to his ignorant behavior towards media. In fact, back in 2023, he was criticized by a fellow golfer for acting immaturely during a practice session of the Dubai Desert Classic, which was likened to that of a child. Now with his recent gesture, old names are getting back with criticism.

Even the No Laying Up official page also reposted writing, “You just don’t do that!” The Podcaster has talked about McIlory immensely this season, but now that he did an unethical move, a sign of warning is issued by the golf experts on avoiding it.

Further more fans joined, as one of them wrote, “The European press would still be talking about that in 2053 if the roles were reversed.,” and “All class as always from Europe.” In the past, there have been numerous instances of heated arguments among European players, starting in 1985 when Seve Ballesteros and Raymond Floyd exchanged heated words. Later again, Ballesteros was involved in 19189 and 1991. But despite that, the European media has never pointed out the flaws of the players according to the fans.

Considering the great stature of Rory McIlroy, it is an unacceptable move. The golfer who showcased calm demeanor has not showcased other side as the tournament turned rowdy. Was it surprising for you? Share your thoughts with us below.