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.

Top Stories

Wyndham Clark Takes Accountability for U.S. Open Backlash He Faced After Locker Room Outburst: ‘Deserved’

Retired PGA Tour Golfer Admits Money Problems Are Pushing Pros to the Breaking Point

Caitlin Clark Becomes the Answer to LPGA’s Biggest Concern Ahead of Her Pro-Am Appearance

Collin Morikawa Disapproves of Golf Practice That Justin Thomas Wants All Pros to Adopt Immediately

Jim Furyk Urges Tiger Woods to “Dip a Toe” Into Senior Circuit as His PGA Tour Comeback Hits a Snag

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.”

Despite this major controversy that will now revolve around her career for a while, Heather McMahan’s personal life is more stable and sweet than one can imagine. McMahan married her husband, Jeff Daniels, and lives a cheerful life with him.

Who is Heather McMahan’s husband, Jeff Daniels?

Jeff Daniels works as a consultant at Danco Worldwide Consultants, which is a construction management services firm. He did his graduation from Penn State University in 2010 with a degree in history. Before working for Danco, he used to work as a consultant at J.S. Held LLC from 2010 to 2012.

Outside of work, Daniels spends his time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity International. He’s also a golfer who has spent his fair share of time swinging clubs at the Atlanta Athletic Club. He called it his “happy place.”

As compared to his wife, Daniels keeps a low profile but is often seen beside her on her Instagram story. McMahan has joked that even though he remains reserved, he doesn’t mind the spotlight on him now and then. Personally, their relationship has seen certain bumps. McMahan has spoken openly about their fertility journey and the challenge of IVF in her Netflix special Son I Never Had.

Heather McMahan and Jeff Daniels’ relationship timeline

The story of how the couple met is quite funny and unique, so to say. Out of all places, they met at a gay bar in 2011 when they were just 22, in New York City. They were introduced to each other through a mutual friend. McMahan later described their relationship like this: “At the end of the day, I say that we invest in each other, like people invest in a start-up. Jeff and I met when we were 22. We both had big dreams, and it has not been glamorous along the way, but I think it’s just finding somebody who’s going to be your [expletive] cheerleader.”

Years later, Daniels proposed to her during a trip to the Wymara Resort in Turks & Caicos. Initially, they had planned to get married in Italy, but due to the pandemic, they had a civil ceremony in the States. Italy did happen, two years later, as a dream party held at Villa Medicea di Lilliano outside Florence. The celebration was attended by family and friends.

The couple now lives in Atlanta with McMahan’s mother, Robin, in her childhood home. Together, they have a French bulldog named Rigatoni Cannoli Gandolfini Daniels. At times, they spend time at a vacation home in Oxford, Mississippi.

The Ryder Cup 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.