A comedian hired to entertain Ryder Cup crowds became the center of controversy after leading vulgar chants against Rory McIlroy at Bethpage Black. Heather McMahan has since apologized to the Northern Irishman and stepped down from her role as first tee emcee following the incident that overshadowed Saturday’s matches.

The PGA of America confirmed McMahan’s departure in a statement to BBC Sport: “Heather has extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup.” The incident occurred during what became known as one of the most toxic atmospheres in Ryder Cup history.

Who is the Ryder Cup first-tee staffer Heather McMahan?

McMahan isn’t your typical golf announcer or sports broadcaster. She’s an American comedian, actress, and podcaster who built her career far from the golf world. Born in Atlanta in 1987, she graduated from the University of Mississippi with a fine arts degree in theatre.

The 38-year-old has established herself as a prominent entertainment figure with nearly 850,000 Instagram followers. She released two comedy specials: “Son I Never Had” on Netflix in October 2023, which debuted at number 4 and held a top 10 position for seven days, and “Breadwinner” on Hulu in October 2024.

McMahan hosts the popular “Absolutely Not” podcast, which has run since 2019, and creates what she describes as “a safe space for us to tell-all and bitch about the rest.” She also works as a red carpet correspondent for E! at major awards shows, including the Emmys, Grammys, and Oscars.

Her connection to golf stems from her husband, Jeff Daniels, an avid golfer, who has made her a self-described “golf widow.” She frequently jokes about this dynamic in her comedy routines. McMahan has also partnered with brands for golf-themed content, including a series called “What’s the Tee,” where she gives humorous takes on golf culture.

This background likely influenced the PGA of America’s decision to hire her as entertainment MC for the Ryder Cup, seeking to bring fresh energy to the traditionally formal event.

What did Heather McMahan say about Rory McIlroy?

On Saturday morning, September 27, 2025, McMahan was serving as a warm-up entertainer at the first tee before the opening matches. She attempted to lead what was meant to be a “De-Cham-beau” chant in support of American player Bryson DeChambeau.

Instead, the chant quickly deteriorated. McMahan was seen shouting “F— you Rory!” into a megaphone as the grandstands joined in. Rather than redirecting the crowd away from the profane chant targeting the European star, she encouraged it.

This set an ugly tone for what Golf experts had predicted would be a hostile reception for European players at Bethpage, with warnings that New York locals would create an intense atmosphere.

McIlroy initially responded with grace, turning to the crowd behind the first tee and blowing kisses in their direction. However, the harassment continued throughout both his morning and afternoon matches, eventually forcing him to tell fans to “shut the f— up” on the 16th hole.

Social media erupted with criticism of McMahan’s actions. One Twitter user wrote: “Someone on the payroll of the @PGA, who was paid to lead the crowd in chants, led them in a ‘F— you, Rory’ this morning as parents sat in the stands with their kids at the @rydercup. This is the state of golf in America, 2025.”

Official apology of Heather McMahan

According to Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter, McMahan apologized directly to McIlroy for her behavior following the morning incident. She also stepped down from her role as first tee emcee, with reports indicating “a different announcer for the afternoon session.”

The PGA of America’s statement confirmed both the apology and her departure: “Heather has extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup.”

McMahan’s resignation came as the broader fan behavior spiraled out of control. The PGA deployed additional security, including New York State police officers, around matches involving European players. At least two spectators were officially ejected, though reports suggest more removals occurred.

The organization also increased messaging on video boards across the course, warning fans about maintaining proper etiquette and threatening action against inappropriate behavior.

Why were the remarks problematic?

Professional golf events, especially prestigious competitions like the Ryder Cup, maintain strict standards for on-course entertainment and commentary. Emcees and announcers are expected to maintain neutrality, promote sportsmanship, and enhance the viewing experience without targeting individual players with hostility.

McMahan’s actions violated these fundamental principles. As someone officially hired by the PGA of America, her participation in anti-McIlroy chants represented an institutional endorsement of unsportsmanlike behavior. This was particularly problematic given McIlroy’s status as a global golf superstar and five-time major champion.

The incident also occurred during a competition designed to showcase golf’s highest ideals of sportsmanship and international competition. European captain Luke Donald noted that while heckling is expected at away Ryder Cups, the behavior crossed lines with “personal jabs and noise made while they are attempting their swings.”

The controversy highlights the delicate balance required when incorporating entertainment personalities into traditional golf settings. McMahan’s comedic background, while valuable for audience engagement, proved incompatible with the diplomatic requirements of international competition.

This incident may reshape how major golf organizations select and brief entertainment personnel for future events, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines about maintaining competitive integrity while building crowd excitement. The Ryder Cup’s reputation as golf’s premier team event hinges on striking a balance between passionate support and respect for all competitors.